For all
of you who had their heart broken (sniff sniff)...
Talk
not of wasted affection; affection never was wasted.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
FIU
judo club makes short work of carjacker in L.A.
Associated Press
August 19, 2002,
6:03 AM EDT
LOS ANGELES
-- Florida judo club members beat and
doused an alleged carjacker with gasoline then handed
over the grimacing, moaning 20-year-old to police
officers.
Tyrone Jermaine
Hogan, of Los Angeles, held his ribs
Sunday and winced in pain as TV news crews recorded his
arrest.
``The boys are
punching him in the face and I wanted to
go around for a choke, to choke him out, but I didn't
want to risk getting punched in the head, so I started
pounding him from the back,'' said Christina Baldacci,
a Florida International University judo club member.
The Florida
judo club members weren't Hogan's first
alleged victims.
At 1:30 p.m.,
Hogan allegedly carjacked a couple,
punching the driver, in the face, pulling him out of
his Nissan and driving away with his wife in the
passenger seat, said police Sgt. Karlene Gibson. Hogan
allegedly tried to steal the woman's purse.
Failing, he
shoved the woman out of the car. Witnesses
followed him but lost sight of him.
Hogan reappeared
about six blocks away at a Hollywood
gas station.
Meanwhile, the
athletes, who were in town to teach a
self-defense class, had taken a tour of Hollywood just
before stopping for gas on their way to Los Angeles
International Airport to return home.
One of the student
athletes told police Hogan began
harassing another couple before making eye contact with
him.
Hogan then asked
a team member for money and reached
into their rented minivan to try and steal the car keys.
But the match
was a mismatch.
``We had this
guy like a pretzel on the ground,'' said
Nestor Bustillo, the team's judo instructor.
During the scuffle
that broke out between Hogan and a
half-dozen team members, the nozzle of a gasoline pump
broke off, making the situation dangerous, Bustillo
said.
``We were wrestling
around, there was gas pumping out
and we were trying to subdue this guy,'' he said. Hogan
was arrested for investigation of felony carjacking,
kidnapping and robbery, said Sgt. Allen Hamilton. He
was held in lieu of $1.2 million bail.
Some of the
judo club members who were doused with
gasoline during the scuffle took showers at the LAPD's
Hollywood station before the club caught a flight to
Miami.
Ironheart
Crown 5
Jay Buck vs Shonie Carter
CHICAGO,
IL - Fight fans in Chicagoland and in Northwest Indiana, hold
on to your seats! The Ironheart Crown is back in full force with
the biggest card ever featured in the area! On October 26, 2002,
Chicago's biggest production returns to the Hammond Civic Center
arena to host a total of six title bouts, featuring a long-awaited
matchup between IHC welterweight champion Jay Buck and the notorious
Shonie Carter!
Mixed
martial arts fans worldwide know of Shonie Carter. His flamboyant
personality and unorthodox fighting style has made him one of
the most recognizable characters in the fight world. With a strong
background in Judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu,
Shonie is comfortable at any range of the fight game. "Jay
Buck is good," says Carter, "but he's still just a
baby. He has a lot of work to do before he's in my league. Everybody
thinks they can beat me. They see my fancy suits and my pretty
face, and they think I've gone soft. That's a mistake. Don't
take me lightly."
Jay
Buck, training out of Hackney's Combat Academy and the Hell House
has taken the local circuit by storm. Despite 3 losses early
on in his career, Buck has since collected a total of 12 wins
in decisive fashion. Always a crowd pleaser with his dominating
and relentless ground-and-pound style, Buck has all the tools
he needs to give Carter a good fight. "We're not afraid
of Shonie," says Buck's training partner Danny Gilbert,
"Not even a little bit. This fight is going to put Jay on
the map." As one of Chicago's most exciting fighters, Jay
Buck promises to bring thunder to the ring against Shonie Carter.
Five
other title fights are also scheduled. Jason Lugtu (4-0) will
face Jeremy Bolt (20-4) for the newly-created IHC bantamweight
title. Jeff Curran (14-4) will face Miguel Torres (26-0) for
the featherweight title. Brian Gassaway (16-8) takes on Jason
Rigsby (8-3) for the middleweight title. Returning light-heavyweight
champion, Jim Theobald (82-12) will defend his title against
Stephan Bonnar (5-0), and in the heavyweight division, Vaughan
Palelei (24-2) will defend his title against the notorious Jason
Godsey (24-12). While two-time lightweight champion, Henry Matamoros
will not be competing this time around, he also plans to be present
at the show, stating, "These fights are good, man, I don't
want to miss any of them."
In
addition to the title bouts, several non-title matches will be
held. Hackney's rising star, Gideon Ray will face Justin Weinam
of Jim's Gym. Cedric Stewart, of Warrior Concepts will square
off against Tommy Lee of Team Hell House. Mikhail Rashkov will
represent the Carlson Gracie team in his match against Sebastian
Helon of the Lynxx Academy, and Steve Rivera of Keller's Martial
Arts will test his skills against Micki Fevic, representing Hackney's
Combat.
This
event will be the first time that the Ironheart Crown has been
officially sanctioned by the USA SHOOTO Association. The promoters
are working hard to rise to this new standard, and they promise
a night of excitement that will not be forgotten.
Tickets
are on sale now, and a limited number of ringside seats are available.
Tickets may be purchased online using a credit card at www.ironheartcrown.com, or they may be purchased
from a number of Chicagoland and NW Indiana outlets. For further
information, call 773-793-6555, or 219-844-8504.
Duane
Ludwig:
Thoughts on Fighting Jens Pulver in UCC
Duane 'Bang'
Ludwig has had a good start to his career. A veteran of King
Of The Cage and Ring Of Fire as well as K-1, Ludwig is next scheduled
to fight Jens Pulver in UCC on October 11th. Ludwig, like Pulver
and his last US fight opponent Robert Emerson, prefers to stand
and trade blows giving this match up the potential to be a real
barn burner. Ludwig has more experience than Emerson had when
he fought Pulver in addition to Ludwig's height and reach advantage
while Pulver's south paw clinch boxing style and Ludwig's Thai
boxing may be more evenly matched than many anticipate. Can the
rising star be the one to finally defeat Pulver or will Pulver's
edge in experience and focused training make just another win
column notch out of Ludwig? One thing is for sure: don't anticipate
a ground fight.
KM: What was
your last fight?
DL: K-1 in Japan. The tournament. Lost my first fight by decision.
KM: Will you
be doing more K-1 or MMA? Have you made a decision?
DL: I want to try K-1 again, I want to win the tournament once,
and then I'd like to stay with MMA. It's funner to train for
and you don't get hurt as easy. The word in general is MMA there
is more money. If you're not a Heavyweight K-1 fighter you're
not making money Thai boxing.
KM: Do you always
fight around 155 lbs?
DL: No, I haven't weighed that since I was like 12. 170 is my
walk around weight. (for the fight with Jens) I have to make
155.
KM: You still
have about 2 months to cut 15 pounds…
DL: I'm going to diet down to 163 and then cut the rest water
weight. That's what I've done for the last two K-1s.
KM: So what
are your thoughts on fighting Jens?
DL: I think if I were to fight any of the top 10 in that weight
class I'd rather it be him because he likes to stand up and trade.
I think that's the best match for me.
KM: I thought
you lived in California?
DL: Colorado. I lived in California for six months. I go out
there every now and then to train with Bas. Other than that,
from Colorado.
KM: How do you
prefer to fight?
DL: Thai boxing. I'd rather stay on the feet.
KM: What is
you record now?
DL: for MMA? I'm not sure…15-2?
KM: One point
I was making with Jen's fight against Emerson (Ultimate Wrestling
6/29/02) was that Emerson was Jens' first opponent in quite some
time that preferred to stand up like Jens even though it was
Emerson's debut. Now here you are, possibly the biggest threat
to Pulver he's faced in the stand-up game.
DL: I feel I have better stand up than most of his past opponents,
I haven't seen Emerson fight, but we'll see what happens.
KM: Have you
been working on a game plan yet?
DL: I'll just train how I do for all my fights: 50/50 as far
as stand-up and grappling. We'll see what happens.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
K-1
WORLD GP 2002 Las Vegas - Complete Results!
K-1 WORLD GP
2002 in Las Vegas
Date : Saturday, August 17th 2002
Place : Bellagio Hotel (Las Vegas/U.S.A)
8 MAN TOURNAMENT
Plus Three Super Fights!
1st match Tournament-1st
Match:
Michael McDonald VS Ricardo Duenas Winner: Michael McDonald KO
1R 1'25
2nd match Tournament-2nd
Match:
Petr Vandrachek VS Tony Gregory Winner: Tony Gregory KO 1R 2'48
3rd match Tournament-3rd
Match:
Adam Watt VS Pavel Mayer Winner: Pavel Mayer decision 3R
4th match Tournament-4th
Match:
Andrew Thomson VS Errol Parris Winner: Errol Parris KO 1R 2'59
5th match Super
Fight-1:
Ernesto Hoost VS JAN 'The Giant' NORTJE Winner: Ernesto Hoost
KO 1R 1'29
6th match Tournament
Semi-Final 1st Match:
Michael McDonald VS Tony Gregory Winner: Michael McDonald decision
3R
7th match Tournament
Semi-Final 2nd Match:
Pavel Mayer VS Errol Parris Winner: Pavel Mayer KO 1R 1'25
8th match Super
Fight-2:
Stefan Leko VS Remy Bonjasky Winner: Stefan Leko decision 5R
9th match Super
Fight-3:
Mike Bernardo VS Gary Goodridge Winner: Gary Goodridge KO 1R
1'38
10th match Tournament
Final:
Michael McDonald VS Pavel Mayer Winner: Michael McDonald TKO
2R 1'01
*ESPN 2 will
broadcast this event on August 26th or August 27th - be on the
lookout.
Source: Abu
Dhabi
Frank-ly
Speaking
Injury Sidelines Shamrock's Return, But Not His Spirit
"Talking
on the phone seems to be my main purpose in life," laments
Frank Shamrock from his office in San Jose, California. It's
been an eventful two weeks for the beloved former UFC champion,
a roller coaster of developments that began with the long-awaited
and highly-rumored announcement that was almost three years in
the making -- Frank Shamrock was returning to MMA competition.
But just as quickly as the golden carrot was dangled in front
of the masses of hungry fans, it was hastily snatched away. There
was only a week to ponder and debate the possible outcomes of
his match-up with Renzo Gracie black belt Ricardo Almeida at
the World Extreme Cagefighting's August 31st event, because fate
obviously had other plans this time around. Shamrock had succumbed
to the one thing he says he hates about the fight game -- getting
injured. With the realization that his return will be delayed,
it would seem the undefeated 5-0 UFC veteran has some time on
his hands... or does he?
By
now, the MMA world is quite familiar with the details of this
untimely occurrence. It all started in training at the American
Kickboxing Academy, as Shamrock fired off a right kick that caught
training partner "Crazy" Bob Cook's elbow. It registered
with Shamrock immediately, as he had to stop to recover for twenty
seconds, something he says he never does in sparring. Although
in pain, Shamrock felt able to continue, and continue he did
-- for an entire week. "I even went to the St. Louis stadium
where the Cardinals play and ran it," he recalls jovially.
Although he couldn't tie his shoes and the leg continued to swell,
it wasn't until a regular visit to his chiropractor that Shamrock
began to fathom the scope of the damage received. Complaining
of a focused pain in one area, the doctor decided to take an
X-ray which immediately revealed a crack in the bone. With this
knowledge, Shamrock admits he trained for one more day, but a
persistent phone call from his chiropractor persuaded him to
go to a specialist for treatment. The second X-ray revealed a
clean break directly through his right fibula, and it was there
he says that reality set in -- he wasn't going to be able to
fight. The break could have been worse had the bone been displaced
or moved -- a small favor that will force Shamrock to sport a
temporary "walking cast" over a cumbersome plaster
one for the next month. Following that month, it will be approximately
two weeks before Shamrock can start sparring again, and from
there, he says, he will need about two months to get into fighting
form again.
As
he sits by the phone with his newfound friend (the cast he has
already affectionately dubbed "Big Daddy"), Frank adds
up the time in his head. "December or January," he
blurts out, "but I don't want to fight anywhere cold,"
he quickly adds. "I hate cold weather." His demeanor
is cheerfully contagious for a man who just spent months of arduous
training for a fight that is not going to happen. "I was
feeling down for the first three days, mostly because I felt
old. Then, I remembered that I'm not even thirty yet," he
zips with his undeniable charm. It is a combination of charm
and unquestionable talent that has propelled Frank to the top
of the fighter chain and has kept him there, even in retirement.
One cannot help but think his small venue request can surely
be accommodated for one of the sport's most popular and revered
fighters ever. Following a very healthy stint in Japan's Pancrase
organization (where he fought 3 wars with Bas Rutten), Frank
went on to defeat Enson Inoue, Olympic Gold Medallist Kevin Jackson,
Jeremy Horn, and Igor Zinoviev -- to name a few. Having left
the fight scene at the height of his popularity, moments after
handing a young, brash Tito Ortiz a loss at UFC 22, Frank has
room to negotiate.
It
was a smaller promotion, the WEC, that surely made the negotiation
of the century to snatch Frank up from under the noses of the
bigger shows in town and secure Frank on its upcoming card. "In
part, this fight fell into place and in part, it was a business
decision that made better sense," he explains. "I was
trying to get a fight with Sakuraba [in Pride]. That's what I've
been doing for the last couple of years and it finally hit bottom."
"Bottom" was the subsequent offer Pride made for another
fighter, Shungo Oyama, in its upcoming Shockwave event. That
match-up was later replaced with an invitation to fight Vanderlei
Silva, but Silva was not the opponent Frank had been training
for, he says, so he cordially declined. But, Frank had not been
training for Ricardo Almeida either and had stated in the past
that he would only return to fight competitors with "an
equal or larger image" than his own. Did Almeida meet this
criteria or was this match-up considered a "warm-up"
fight for the stagnant fighter? "I think he was both. Ricardo
Almeida is a tough fighter. He's very good on the ground, but
I would have destroyed him with my hands. The challenge for me
was I was going to fight a completely different guy in Japan,
for a different reason, in a different style, so I had to switch
gears fast to do this thing."
The
Almeida match-up is no longer on his plate (for now), but those
who know Frank Shamrock will readily attest that his days are
still far from empty. As an entrepreneur extraordinaire, Frank
has seen success not only as an MMA instructor to the students
that have flocked to his school, but has also utilized his skills
to branch out into the private sector. A self-conceptualized
police training program called Science of Officer Defense and
Criminal Submissions (SODCS) continues to grow nationally. His
restaurant, Down For The Count Sports Bar and Grill in Gulf Port,
Mississippi, opened three months ago and is thriving. He continues
to build on a modestly successful acting career with a recent
role on the HBO television show Oz [Frank is pictured here on
the set of Oz with Randy Couture], as well as numerous auditions
(he was recently contacted to audition for a role in Vin Diesel's
upcoming The Fast and the Furious 2.) "The joy is the journey,"
Frank explains. "You go down a little path and try a bunch
of different things. I do all kinds of things -- things that
make money and things that don't. People might call me eccentric."
One
endeavor that might not be deemed eccentric would be Frank's
past involvement regarding proposed legislation to protect the
careers of MMA fighters. "What we originally set out to
build was a nonprofit, non-bias commission that could point out
right and wrong, represent the industry, and keep it safe without
any monetary involvement. We wanted to build something to protect
these guys that were out there breaking their legs and risking
their lives for entertainment." Three months ago, Frank
issued a personal statement verbalizing his views on the state
of the sport and its participants. Looking to create a safer
and more congenial environment in which fighters could reside,
Frank invited fans and members of the fight community to e-mail
in suggestions and rally support. He says the response was overwhelming.
Frank also attended initial meetings in Nevada for proposed educational
programs in the overseeing of the sport, but remarks that money
quickly became the issue of the day. "When the question
of who would fund these programs was brought up, all the promoters
in attendance looked over their shoulders."
On
his home front of California, Frank was there on June 4th when
a proposed bill for the allocation of funding for mixed martial
arts was denied. A whole year must now pass before such a bill
can be introduced before the California State Athletic Commission
again, a sobering prospect that Frank says he and those involved
with the proposal must accept. "With recent developments
and with the fact that I was going to fight again, my involvement
with this project has temporarily stalled. But it is something
that I will revisit in the near future. I will be working behind
the scenes on the political avenue for this bill, because unfortunately,
people still don't understand the bill, what it's for, and what
this sport is about. This sport needs good representatives, and
that's what I'm working on."
One
thing Frank says he is doing less of these days is coaching.
"For three or four years there, I was training ten guys
a week with two or three of them fighting every weekend. I was
very hands-on, but now there are too many guys trying to kill
me," he remarks. Instead, Frank has chosen the role of cornerman.
"I like to do the mental talks -- that kind of thing,"
he states. With regards to his own fighting, Frank says he will
honor his one fight deal with the WEC, taking on Almeida or any
new opponent they might throw his way. Beyond that fight, Frank
says he has no immediate plans, but is confident that other fights
will come his way.
In
the meantime, Frank Shamrock will have to keep himself content
with the flood of phone calls he's received from the media, family
and friends alike. "Everyone seems to know where I am,"
he chuckles. "And they know I can't leave." Immobility
seems to be the newest challenge for one of the busiest players
in MMA today. Fans, too, will have to wait it out for a few more
months, but at least now there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Frank Shamrock WANTS to fight again, and for the fans patiently
counting the days until his return, that is all they need to
hear.
Source:
FCF
MMA
in Danger of Losing Mainstream Sponsor
Sources report
that Jägermeister liqueur is reconsidering its MMA sponsorship
program. Managed by the Sidney Frank Importing Co., Jägermeister’s
exclusive United States importer, the initiative has been both
eye-catching and innovative. In fact, it is the first widespread
MMA sponsorship program funded by a company with no direct ties
to the MMA or sports nutrition industries.
The effort began
with Gekkeikan Sake, another Sidney Frank import. Gekkeikan achieved
immediate recognition behind the strength of athletes such as
Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, Matt Lindland and Benji Radach.
After transitioning
to Jägermeister, the program’s roster expanded to include
Kevin Randleman, Vernon White, Shonie Carter, Heath Sims, Dave
Gardner and Chael Sonnen.
Most recently,
Jägermeister sponsored the K-1 Grand Prix Elimination Tournament
in Las Vegas. And with banners, models and free tee shirts, Jägermeister
proved to be an overwhelming fan favorite.
Sponsorships
are imperative in every sport. In a nascent sport such as MMA,
the growth and ultimate success of the industry depends upon
mainstream sponsorships. Because in addition to much-need financial
support for fighters and organizations, mainstream sponsorships
contribute an air of acceptance and legitimacy while helping
increase the fan base.
"It would
be premature to comment on the situation at this time,"
said Jägermeister Fight Club coordinator Aaron Crecy when
reached on Monday. "Right now, I am doing my best to prepare
a report on Saturday’s K-1 sponsorship. That is all I can
really do or say at present."
Perhaps there
is still time to convince the good people at Jägermeister
what we at Sherdog.com already know -- that MMA is a popular
sport with hundreds of thousands of intelligent devotees who
are incredibly loyal to sponsors.
Hence, we urge
all MMA fans voice their support for the Jägermeister Fight
Club in the form of an e-mail (jagerinfo@sidneyfrankco.com). If you appreciate sponsors such
as Jägermeister, now is the time to let them know. Be polite,
be passionate, be convincing and most importantly, be heard—perhaps
a few thousand positive e-mails will make a difference.
Source: Sherdog
K-1's
Ernesto Hoost Interview
Ron
Brouwer: In professional sports age is a very important thing.
Do you thing your current age is a disadvantage against your
younger opponents? Fact is you are 36 already.
Ernesto Hoost: I am 37 actually. I think it isn’t a disadvantage
at all. I have no trouble at all with the current training. I
am not really noticing that I am getting older because I can
keep up with my training partners without much trouble.
Ron
Brouwer: So you don’t notice some slower punches or that
you are injured sooner?
Ernesto Hoost: Yes injuries occur sooner and it takes a bit more
time to heal but so far I think it is not to bad.
Ron
Brouwer: How long are you planning to keep fighting?
Ernesto Hoost: At least this year and after that I just have
to see what it will be.
Ron
Brouwer: I assume you want to win the K-1 again right?
Ernesto Hoost: I would indeed like to do that!
Ron
Brouwer: If you manage to do that you will be the only one that
won it 4 times!
Ernesto Hoost: I was actually planning on doing that last year
and everything felt good but then I injured my foot.
Ron
Brouwer: That was too bad because the level of fighting wasn’t
really high, if it wasn’t for your broken foot you would
have had a very good chance of winning it!
Ernesto Hoost: Absolutely but thing don’t always turn out
the way you want.
Ron
Brouwer: What are you planning on doing after you stop fighting?
Ernesto Hoost: Maybe I’ll keep teaching at Vos Gym but that
will not be my main source of income.
Ron
Brouwer: Just live of your interest and enjoy your retirement?
Ernesto Hoost: Well, I think I am a bit to young for that. I
don’t live a cheap life. Not that I spend a lot of money
but I do have the normal expenses of running a household so I
think it will be difficult to live of the interest. I think I’ll
keep active in the world of sports. I think organizing things
and the management direction.
Ron
Brouwer: How old were you when you started training kickboxing
and what was the reason?
Ernesto Hoost: I was 15 years old and the reason was simply because
it sounded cool “kickboxing”. It was a bit of a barrier
to overcome at first. In the city of Hoorn, where I live, were
kickboxing lessons and still I waited for a couple of months
before I finally took the decision to go training. That was a
bit difficult at the beginning but after my first training I
knew that was it for me!
Ron Brouwer: So you were not training with the goal to become
a champion, to go to the top?
Ernesto Hoost: Well, to the top…. It all went by itself,
I never really planned to go to the top, it just happened. It
was really just to be cool at first but then all the sudden it
appeared I had talent.
The big advantage was that the group I started out with where
are all beginners so you could instantly see who was good and
who wasn’t. So the talent instantly floated up and the rest
sank like a brick to say it like that. Another big advantage
at the time was that I was first member of my gym back then,
when I was training in the city of Hoorn at Sokudo Gym, who was
going to fight a match. My trainer had his doubts at first because
he didn’t know whether I was good enough or not. So I trained
for two and a half years before I fought my first match. If you
let people wait two and half years now before they fight a match
they will go to another gym for sure. So I had to wait a rather
long time and I could build things up at a slow pace. Looking
back at now I think it was a big advantage for me.
Ron
Brouwer: A lot of people see you as their example and idol. Did
you have somebody you looked up to when you where young?
Ernesto Hoost: I used to look up to Lucien Carbin, Gilbert Yvels
current trainer. In the years 1980 till 1986 he was a world class
fighter in the under 63kg class.
Ron
Brouwer: When you think your career really started?
Ernesto Hoost: I think my career really started when I started
fighting in Japan in 1993.
Ron
Brouwer: What do you think are the greatest heights and depths
of your career?
Ernesto Hoost: The greatest points are of course my 3 wins of
the K-1 GP and my K-2 , which they still had in 1993, victory.
I that were the heights. The depths, let me think……..
I think my loss against Filho 3 years ago in 1999.
Ron
Brouwer: What do you think are the main differences between the
current martial arts world and that of 10 years ago? Has it become
more personal or more business?
Ernesto Hoost: Definitely more business directed. Especially
with the K-1 tournaments I think that all the fighters go for
the money. That has become a lot more important in compression
to two years ago. Just look at what they charge the visitors
for an entrance ticket, that is just a lot of money. It is understandable
on the other hand because fighters want more money and sponsoring
alone just isn’t enough.
Ron
Brouwer: What do you think about MMA?
Ernesto Hoost: Interesting, nice. I think it is a good thing
the sport is developing so much.
Ron
Brouwer: Have you ever thought about fighting MMA yourself?
Ernesto Hoost: Yes I have been thinking about it but the conditions
must be very good before I would something like that.
Ron
Brouwer: Okay those were my own questions. I also have a list
of questions from fans. How do you motivate yourself to fight
after an injury?
Ernesto Hoost: Make sure the injury heals as fast as possible
and do the things I can still do. When I have an injury on my
legs I keep training with my hands. When my hands are injured
I keep training with my legs. Simply working hard on the recovery!
Ron
Brouwer: How do you feel when you injure somebody else? If you
break somebody’s jaw for instance.
Ernesto Hoost: I don’t like that. It is a part and a risk
of the job but I don’t like it. For me it is just a goal
to get more then my opponent or to knock him out. I like that
as well. IF he goes down he can stay down for 10 seconds and
then he has to get back on his feet. If anybody sustains a serious
injury that is a shame but hey, it is just a risk!
Ron
Brouwer: Can you give me an impression of your current training
schedule?
Ernesto Hoost: I go jogging 2 or 3 times a week. I don’t
do any weight training at the moment. If I do that I try to aim
for the fast work, not the power, I want explosive power! I do
sparring and normal muay thai training about 3 or 4 times a week!
Ron
Brouwer: Are you on a special diet or something similar? High
protein or a lot of carbohydrates for example.
Ernesto Hoost: I eat a lot of carbohydrates but I make sure I
get my protein as well. I do watch it but I don’t really
have a specific diet.
Ron
Brouwer: What was it like fighter Andy Hug or Peter Aerts and
were they your biggest challenge?
Ernesto Hoost: Peter was a difficult opponent for sure but I
am not sure whether he was my toughest opponent, I think not.
It was always interesting to fight Andy. I fought him 4 times
and it always got decided on points. They were really hard matches!
We have stunned each other pretty often but non of us ever went
down in a fight. They were interesting fights for the fans for
sure. The fights against Peter were also hard fights but I can’t
really say he was my most difficult opponent. My most difficult
match, mentally, was against Mike Bernardo. I didn’t have
a good year at that time and Mike was looked at as the almighty
champion. It was mentally tough when I went down in the second
round but then I KO’ed him in the fourth round and that
was such a mental boost that I won the K-1 Grand Prix that year!
Ron
Brouwer: How would you handle a strictly standup match against
Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis?
Ernesto Hoost: I would use my legs a lot and I wouldn’t
forget my hands either. I would use my hands as a setup and then
follow up with the legs! Close up I would clinch him and try
to knee him on the head!
Ron
Brouwer: What is your favorite technique or combination?
Ernesto Hoost: A combination which starts with a high right then
a low left and then a lowkick. So high on the head. Low on the
liver and then follow up with a kick!
Ron
Brouwer: Which K-1 fighters are you friends with outside the
ring:
Ernesto Hoost: Micheal Thompson is a good friend of mine. I like
Ray Sefo as well he isn’t really a friend.
Ron
Brouwer: Who is your favorite MMA fighter?
Ernesto Hoost: Rickson Gracie! Not so much the way he fights
because I don’t even care about that but the way of life
and his whole philosophy behind him. He is my favorite MMA fighter
for sure.
Ron
Brouwer: Do you study your opponents by watching videotapes or
something?
Ernesto Hoost: Yes, If I don’t know them definitely. If
I do know them, I don’t always do that. If there are things
I feel I should pay more attention to I do it for sure!
Ron
Brouwer: Do you adjust your training to that?
Ernesto Hoost: That could be.
Ron
Brouwer: Did you ever get into a street fight and how did it
end?
Ernesto Hoost: The last time was about 2 years ago. Before that
I didn’t fight for a long time. And the guy definitely had
a problem! I gave him one good right, I wanted to do more but
he was already out cold.
Ron
Brouwer: What happened?
Ernesto Hoost: They guy gave me a blow on my shoulder and I had
a glass in my hand and the drink spilled over my clothes and
the reason he did that was because he liked the lady I was talking
to and the lady didn’t give him any attention or something.
So I got angry.
Ron
Brouwer: You have obviously fought and beat most of the guys
out there. There have to be a few in particular that nobody wants
to dance with. Who do you think are the are the toughest opponents
today?
Ernesto Hoost: I think Sam Greco is a difficult fighter, he is
very unpredictable. Matt Skelton is also very tough. I think
those two because their style is very unorthodox.
Ron
Brouwer: Does your victory dance have a special name or something
and when did you do it for the first time?
Ernesto Hoost: The Hoost dance! That is what they call in Japan.
It just into me and since then I kept doing it!
Ron
Brouwer: What do you think of the current pro boxers as fighters?
Those guys make millions, what do you think about that?
Ernesto Hoost: That is the market. It is as simple as that. Soccer
players make a lot of money as well, the top at least. Top boxers
earn a lot of money as well. That is just the fact and if I wanted
that I should have become a pro boxer. I think I am not in a
position to complain about that!
Ron
Brouwer: Who should we look out for as the next Ernesto Hoost?
Ernesto Hoost: I would almost instantly say Jerrel Venetiaan.
He will definitely take over my spot in the team but he isn’t
very young anymore. He will take over my spot in the team and
maybe my spot as fighter as well.
Ron
Brouwer: That was about it. I have one last question? Did you
ever check our site and will you register on the forum?
Ernesto Hoost: Yes, since a short while I check your site quite
regularly. I don’t know whether I am going to register on
the forum. It is so that fighter can react on the topics but
I think it is more the fans and the people who are interested
in the sports. It think fighters should interfere with the discussion
to much. Leave the discussion to the fans.
Ron
Brouwer: We have a special “Ask the Fighters” forum
and fans can ask their questions to the fighters and the fighters
can respond. There are indeed little pro’s on the discussion
forums.
Ernesto Hoost: That sounds like a good system. Who knows, I am
not promising anything, I am a bit slow when it comes to things
like that but I will keep it in mind for sure.
Ron
Brouwer: Okay thanks a lot.
Ernesto Hoost: No problem.
Source:
Sherdog
8/19/02
Quote
of the Day
If you wish to reach the highest, start at the lowest.
Publilus Syrus
SHOOTO's
SURVIVOR TOURNAMENT!
Japan's
SHOOTO organization has organized an extended tournament. They
are calling it the 'Featherweight Survivor Tournament' and the
intention is that the winner of this tournament will be the next
challenger for the featherweight title, currently held by Masahiro
Oishi of K'z FACTORY (Record 8-4-3). The lightweight division
is under 60 KG, or under 132 lbs.
OPENING
ROUND:
-
Kentaro Imaizumi vs. ABKZ (Sep.16, Yokohama)
- Hiroaki Yoshioka vs. Kimihito Nonaka (Oct.6, Nagoya)
- Ryota Matsune vs. Hudson Rocha (Nov.15, Tokyo)
- Shuichiro Katsumura vs. TBA
Source:
Abu Dhabi
PRIDE
21 - PRESS CONFERENCE!
Dynamite!
SUMMER NIGHT FEVER in
National Stadium /'PRIDE Shock Wave'
Date: August 28th, 2002
Open: 3:30 PM
Start: 6:30 PM
K-1
president Mr.Ishii, who is also the producer of 'Dynamite' (aka:
PRIDE 'Shock Wave' in the USA) hosted a press confrence at Tokyo's
massive National Stadium. Announcements about additions to the
scheduled card were made. As well as the additions described
below, Mr.Ishii also stated he will announce about Vanderlei
Silva's opponent in a few days.
ADDITION
TO THE CARD:
Ernesto
Hoost (Holland, Vos Gym, Three times K-1 GP Champion)
vs.
Semmy Schilt (Holland/Golden Glory)
* This fight is under K-1 Rules.
Already
announced match ups:
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Brazil, Brazilian Top Team)
Vs
Bob Sapp (USA, Maurice Smith Kickboxing Center)
* This fight is under PRIDE rules.
-
Don Frye (USA, Free)
Vs
Mark Hunt (New Zealand, Liverpool Kickboxing Gym)
* This fight is under K-1 Rules.
Hidehiko Yoshida (Japan, Yoshida Dojo)
Vs
Royce Gracie (Brazil, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Short
interview with "Nate the Great" Marquardt
Watching
fights and spotting fighters in the crowd is not uncommon here
in Japan. So, with some luck I'm able to sit and talk with a
few. But, to sit and talk with an ex-King of Pancrase champion
after his fight (which he won by armbar in 1:37 1R) is something
everyone wants to do. But, I got this opportunity to talk and
make a small interview with Pancrase middleweight contender Nathan
Marquardt.
Stephen
Martinez: When did you start training?
Nathan
Marquardt: My first contact with martial arts was in a Karate
school in Colorado. I started to train when I was 16 years old
in kenpo and shootfighting under Alistair McNiven. Now I'm 22.
Since then I also trained in anything related to Mixed Martial
Arts: Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling,
Karate and Muay Thai.
Stephen
Martinez: When was your debut as a professional?
Nathan
Marquardt: My first fight was in 1999 (WVF-Durango) against Mike
Lee. Since there I fought a couple of times in Bas Rutten Invitational
and then I made the jump to Pancrase with my first fight in Japan
against Genki Sudo. I like Japan because some of the best fighters
and organization they have. But I would like to fight as well
in other organization.
Stephen
Martinez: What about UFC or Pride?
Nathan
Marquardt: Of course. I have a contract with Pancrase to fight
but it is not exclusive so I can fight somewhere else. Beside
that, I think I'm ready to make the jump to events like Pride
or UFC and fight with the biggest names there.
Stephen
Martinez: Tell us about your future plans?
Nathan
Marquardt: As far as Pancrase, the limit to middleweight division
is 82 kilograms so I will like to move up in weight to fight
in the Light heavyweight division, but before do that I want
to regain the King of Pancrase middleweight title from the hands
of Kiuma Kunioku. Kunioku won that tittle from me in a decision
fight that was controversial, and I know in a rematch I will
submit him without doubt.
Stephen
Martinez: Talking about the Pancrase light heavyweight division,
how do you see the competion there with big names like Ikuhisa
Minowa, Yuki Kondo or Sanae Kikuta (King of Pancrase light Heavyweight
champion) between others?
Nathan
Marquardt: Oh that is excellent, to me. I would like to fight
the best fighters in the world and I know I can beat anyone.
Pancrase light heavyweight division has really tough guys like
Ikuhisa Minowa, Yuki Kondo, Sanae Kikuta, Yuki Sasaki and KEI
Yamamiya between
others. I think the biggest challenge in that division would
be Kondo and Kikuta. Actually it's funny because I consider Kikuta
to be one of my teachers since I spend 8 months in Japan training
with him and the Grabaka team. I learned a lot from him so that
would be an honor to fight against him.
Stephen
Martinez: What's a normal day in your life?
Nathan
Marquardt: Depends on the day. I wake up around 10 or 11 a.m.
After I eat something, I go straight to train. At morning I do
grappling with a mix between jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling. I do
gi and no-gi for about two hours and a half. Then I go swim and
run for one hour and on certain days I lift weights for an hour
or teach mix martial arts. Also I do kickboxing twice a week
with Duane Ludwig.
Stephen
Martinez: Since you're a young person in MMA what would be your
advice to the new people that are starting in the sport?
Nathan
Marquardt: Just to stay focused on their goals and practice,
practice and more practice. Train hard but smart would be my
best advice. Never give up and always remain on track looking
for specific goal to achieve.
Nathan
Martquardt is all about challenges. After his outstanding defeat
over Pancrase fighter Seiki Ryo, he's already focused in a rematch
against the new welterweight King of Pancrase Kuima Kunioku.
With a promising career with Pancrase and a possible future in
USA with UFC this young star in the age of 22 is looking forward
to telling the MMA community why his nickname is "Nate the
Great."
Source:
Sherdog
MILETICH
VS TRIGG
MMAWeekly
has learned that Pat Miletich will fight again soon and it looks
like it will be for a title. Editor Scott Petersen is reporting
that Pat Miletich will fight against Frank Trigg for the WFA
middleweight title. This show will be held in Las Vegas and it's
unknown if the show will be held in October or November. Either
way it looks like the WFA will have a very solid show coming
up and to have Miletich Vs Trigg fighting one another for the
title, should be very exciting and a great fight for the fans
all the way around.
Source:
MMA Weekly
"The
Best 2" Post Fight Interviews
The Infamous
Joe Son
UFC Veteran and former trainer of Kimo
Joe Son: My shoulder
was already hurt but that's no excuse. It didn't really hurt
when we started fighting. Then it started hurting more and more
and I lost. I feel embarrassed and sad so I don't really want
to talk much.
PRIDE Fighting
Championships: What was your impression of Jukei?
Son: I'm sorry
but I don't feel like talking right now.
Bob
Schreiber
PRIDE Fighting
Championships: What did you think of the fight?
Bob Schreiber:
It wasn't a very good fight. I didn't fight aggressively in the
second round. I wasn't able to keep my distance so I could only
counter. I'm not trying to make an excuse but I came to Japan
2 days ago and I'm still tired. My first fight in PRIDE wasn't
a very clean fight so this time, everyone kept telling me to
fight clean. I think I was at least able to show everyone a clean
fight.
PRIDE: What's
your impression of Koh?
Schreiber: He's
a good fighter but I think he's got a lot to learn from here
on. I don't think he was scared but I do think he was taken back
by the atmosphere. He should have been more aggressive. That's
just my opinion, though.
PRIDE: What
was your game plan?
Schreiber: I
didn't have a plan. I never make a game plan. I think it's more
important to focus on what I can do.
PRIDE: You were
on the bottom getting punched by Koh in the first round.
Schreiber: I
didn't think it was dangerous. I don't feel threatened by punches,
regardless of how strong their striking is.
PRIDE: What
do you think of the decision?
Schreiber: It
doesn't matter what I think because it's up to the judges to
make the decision. Regardless of how much you complain after
the fight, it won't help. You have to fight while you're in the
ring. If you lose, it's because you didn't win in the ring. I
absolutely will not complain.
PRIDE: What's
your goal from here?
Schreiber: I'm
taking it day by day so I don't have a goal! (laughing) My job
is to fight so if someone tells me that they've got a fight for
me somewhere tomorrow, I'll do it. I've got 3 hungry children
who are waiting on me so I have to fight! (laughing).
Daiju
Takase UFC Veteran
PRIDE Fighting
Championships: What was your impression of the fight?
Daiju Takase:
I wasn't able to finish it. But, I don't think that I lost. I'm
not satisfied with my fight, though.
PRIDE: Did you
ever feel in danger?
Takase: When
he got my arm from the bottom, I thought he might be able to
take my back or get a triangle choke. He was like a carbon copy
of my ground techniques so I knew what he was going to do. I
don't want to make excuses but I wasn't able to practice chokes.
I was planning on punching and when there's an opening, pass
his guard and get on top. I really don't know why I lost. Maybe
he punched more from the bottom. I'd like to fight him again.
Pride: When
did you think that you were winning?
Takase: He's
heavier than me but I was always able to stay on top. I evaded
all his punches and techniques. He's called a "genius"
and "the next Rickson" but after fighting him, I think
I would win in a grappling only fight. His takedown and footwork
was really great but if I had been able to go slowly, I think
I could definitely pass his guard. I didn't take any damage.
Nino
Schembri Gracie Barra Black Belt
PRIDE Fighting
Championships: You weren't able to get a submission today.
Nino Schembri:
I wasn't able to use all my strength because Takase is a tough
fighter but I'm glad I won. The most important thing is to give
a good fight so I'm glad I was able to do that.
PRIDE: Takase
said he's got the best ground techniques in Japan. What do you
think about that?
Schembri: His
ground movement was very good. His ground was much better than
I imagined.
PRIDE: This
is your first fight in Japan in a long time. What were you doing
during that time?
Schembri: I
hurt my shoulder in the last fight. It was a pretty serious injury
and I wasn't able to compete for 8 months. After that, I was
in rehabilitation and training at the same time for 4 months.
PRIDE: Who else
do you want to fight in Japan?
Schembri: That's
not for me to decide. Any opponent is fine. I'd like to fight
in PRIDE again if I have a chance. I'd like to dedicate my win
today to my idols, Elvis Presley and Renzo Gracie.
Giant
Ochiai
Giant Ochiai:
Hashimoto, I was surprised. You've got a lot stronger since I
saw you last! I didn't think he would be well suited for MMA
but he was. I'll respect him from now on. I feel great! I feel
great! I feel great!
PRIDE Fighting
Championships: Is this the first match that you've felt satisfied
with?
Ochiai: No,
not at all. It was the same when I fought Nishida. Since it's
a MMA fight, I was looking to get an arm-bar. I wanted to see
how much striking I could do in the first round but I got impatient
after he went into the turtle position. I've got more experience,
though. But, he's very adaptable. Really. Well, none of his punches
really hurt. I felt good. I feel great!
PRIDE: Do you
feel worse for not being able to get the arm-bar or better for
getting the KO?
Ochiai: Striking
feels better. I'll get an arm-bar in the next match.
PRIDE: If striking
feels so good to you, why don't you keep striking?
Ochiai: That's
true. I'm always training under Satake and always being told
how horrible I am. I don't think I'm that great at striking.
I'd like to slug it out with Bob Sapp next. It would be a good
fight.
PRIDE: You're
not worried about the weight difference?
Ochiai: No,
I'm not worried about it. I can get fat. I want to fight Bob
Sapp. Please, let me fight Bob Sapp. It will be a good fight.
PRIDE: You're
well known for your Afro haircut. What happened?
Ochiai: I graduated
from the Afro. I cut it before Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye. I don't plan
on growing it back.
Alistair
Overeem
PRIDE Fighting
Championships: It was a quick fight.
Alistair Overeem:
I don't have any injuries. I think I won in a really good way.
I feel great.
PRIDE: Were
you planning on finishing the fight early?
Overeem: Yeah,
I wanted to get the KO early in the fight. It went like I planned.
PRIDE: How much
did you know about Imamura?
Overeem: I knew
that he trains at Takada Dojo and he's a good wrestler. I kept
that image in my mind while I was training.
PRIDE: How was
his wrestling?
Overeem: I was
always watching out for his ground techniques. I mean, I've got
confidence in my ground technique too but I was able to fight
my fight, rather than his. I never really felt in danger.
PRIDE: What
was the meaning of the hammer than you carried during your entrance?
Overeem: I imagine
myself as the "demolition man." That's why I brought
the hammer. It's like I can destroy anything. And, if my punches
and knees didn't do any damage, I can use the hammer to beat
my opponent down! (laughing)
PRIDE: What's
your goal from here?
Overeem: I leave
my entire schedule up to my manager. I'm just going to keep training
hard and fight fights that the fans will enjoy.
PRIDE: Don't
you want to fight in PRIDE?
Overeem: Definitely,
if I have the chance. I would proud to fight there.
PRIDE: Who would
you like to fight?
Overeem: Nobody
in particular but I'd like the title, of course.
Source: Pride FC
8/18/02
Quote
of the Day
You must look into people, as well as at them.
Lord Chesterfield
Leonel
Perez makes NAGA's best tape
For those
who don't know, Leonel Perez is Relson's Jacksonville, FL association,
taking over the academy when Scott Devine moved north.
'Best of NAGA Florida' Video Tape
Submitted by: Marcos
Avellan
The FGA is currently
working on making a VHS tape called 'The Best of NAGA Florida
- Vol. 1' - which will include footage of some of the best matches
to ever take place in this state! The tape will contain about
2 hours of footage - including battles such as
- David Avellan
vs Gordo
- Leonel Perez vs Gordo
- Jorge Pereira vs Hermes Franca
- Jorge Pereira vs Richie Guerrero
- Hermes Franca vs Edson Diniz
- Efrain Ruiz vs Pablo Popovitch
- Mike Cardoso vs Federico Pereira
- Marcos Avellan vs Hermes Franca
- David Avellan vs Leonel
Perez (both fights)
- Leonor Cocco vs Michelle Ziegler
- Enrico Cocco vs Chris Manuel
- Wald Bloise vs Leonel
Perez
- Wilson Gouveia vs Martin Vila
- David Avellan vs Rodrigo Ramos
Other grapplers
that will be featured on the tape are Shane Dunn, Anthony Tolone,
Jeff Monson, Charles McCarthy, Rene Hernandez, Muhsin Cobbrey,
and more!
The tape should
take about a month to produce. It will most likely cost only
$15.00 . If you are interested, please join our mailing list
and we will keep you updated on the tape. We are also planning
on making a DVD version in the near future. To get a sample of
what kind of exciting matches will be on the tape, please visit
www.floridagrappling.com and click on 'Pictures / Videos' on
the menu to your left and check out what NAGA Florida is all
about!
Source: ADCC
Musical
martial art
A practice born on the streets and
beaches of Brazil makes its way to Hawaii
Posted: July 12, 2002
Brazilian music
is pumping from a boombox from an upstairs martial arts studio
on a Monday night. With window fans blowing through a still-warm
studio, a diverse mix of students are whooping and clapping in
time with the music, encircling a pair moving fluidly through
a combination of acrobatic dance and martial arts moves.
And that is
exactly what makes up "capoeira." Thanks to instructor
and California transplant Rod Ussing, this Afro-Brazilian sport
has been transplanted from the parks, beaches and streets of
Brazil, through the mainland and out to the middle of the Pacific
Ocean.
With 70 students
at all levels, Capoeira Hawaii makes for a lively group. About
20 of them will be showcasing their skills tomorrow as part of
the Contemporary Museum's Artspree 2002.
Even though capoeira can be taken to a combat level, its purpose
is to demonstrate the skill of winning a "game" rather
than relying on punching or kicking power. Artists demonstrate
their superiority over opponents through body control, either
barehanded or with sticks, and command of sweeping kicks, head
and handstands, somersaults and the like.
The musical
and rhythmic element of capoeira is integral to its popularity.
Ussing's expert Brazilian "nester" (master) Kainha
gets on the conga or "berimbau," a one-stringed buzzing
gourd instrument, to lead the students with some hearty chanting
to sustain the intensity level of their "battles."
Still, it's
a very supportive atmosphere as men, women and even a couple
of youngsters go through the exercises, always giving approving
glances and handshakes to each other.
Capoeira was
brought to Brazil by African slaves in the 16th century. "There's
a predominant theory that capoeira evolved because the African
slaves were not allowed to practice their native martial arts,
so they concealed it within the dance and music without tipping
off their overseers," Ussing said.
"Capoeira
was also used to help slaves escape from their captivity, as
well as a way of settling differences without getting into a
major fight. Capoeira gives people the ability to take others
down without hurting them."
Depending on
a student's skill, capoeira can include a lot of acrobatic moves
in the "dance fights," either in barehanded grappling,
or in the dance fight with sticks called "maculêlê."
"Size,
body type and age is no limitation for anybody who wants to get
involved," Ussing said. "Obviously, my 18-year-old
students are a lot more flexible than myself, and I'm 44. But
you can still do capoeira without the acrobatics -- it's just
the frosting on the cake." He also said that a good 60 percent
to 70 percent of his students are women.
Ussing's classes
have grown since he started here in 1994, teaching one person
in a park setting. He's especially glad he was able to bring
Kainha from Brazil, and hopes he can keep him here.
Kainha, a 25-year champion in Brazil, has worked with street
kids in the notorious slums of Rio de Janeiro, and Ussing also
works with "challenged" youths at the Ewa Boys &
Girls Club. "Capoeira helps gives these kids some sense
of discipline and respect for each other's space," Ussing
said.
"I think
there are some similarities between the local and Brazilian cultures
in light of the growing popularity of capoeira. Both cultures
love rhythm and music, and, with the martial arts influence,
the Japanese population in Brazil is one of the largest there."
Ussing said
the group's program at the Contemporary Museum will start with
solo demonstrations, building up with more acrobatic moves, and
ending with the "samba de roda" (samba in a circle)
that invites audience participation.
Source: Star Bulletin
8/17/02
Quote
of the Day
Charity sees the need, not the cause.
German Proverb
Upcoming
Events
Karate
Aug. 18 — 20th annual Aloha State Traditional Karate Championships.
At Aliamanu Military Reservation Gym, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open to
all karate or martial arts students of all ages and ranks. Events:
kobudo, kata, kumite. Entry fee: pre-registration: $15 1 event,
$30 2 events, $40 3 events. Entry fees at door: $20 1 event,
$35 2 events, $50 3 events. Information: 488-6372
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
Hawai'i
martial artists bring home gold medals
Posted on: July 24, 2002
ISLE FILE
Advertiser Staff
Athletes from
Hawai'i's Japan International Karate-ki Center and Hawai'i Okinawan
Kenpo Karate combined for 25 gold medals at the USA National
Karate-do Federation Championships last weekend in Norfolk, Va.
Ty Nakamoto
won three gold medals in the 8-year-old division for kata, kumite
and kobudo. Aaron Oandasan of Mililani won a gold medal in the
men's kata division and was selected to represent the United
States at the Pan American World Championships in September.
Other gold medal
winners from Hawai'i: Susan Baumann, Keanu Chee, Lauren Fayloga,
Millie Ann Jovenal, Jarvis Losbog, Patrick Martin, Howard Takahashi,
Rebecca Takahashi, Ashley Turner, Ryan Weinmann, Wesley Yoshikawa,
Maria Ocampo, Bradley Nishibata, Brooke Yorita and Randall Ganigan.
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
Mixed
martial arts champ ready to answer final bell
Posted on:
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Advertiser Staff
This is an old article that I found from the Advertiser.
No
stranger to pain, Super Brawl champion Egan Inoue, 37, will fit
nicely as a pharmaceutical salesman.
Egan Inoue, one of the world's top Super Brawlers, will hang
up his gloves for a career as a pharmaceutical salesman.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
"Fighting actually is really good for my next profession
because I had to study all the anti-inflammatories — what
works best for shoulder, knee, back, neck," he said.
But
first, Inoue must go out a winner in his present profession as
one of the world's best mixed martial arts champions in his weight
class.
Inoue,
5 feet 9 and 182 pounds, will face Martin de Jong of Holland
in Super Brawl 25 Saturday at Blaisdell Arena in what the Manoa
resident is calling his final fight "unless I lose."
"If
I lose, I need a rematch. I definitely have to go out as a winner,"
Inoue said.
If
he does go out a winner Saturday, it will end the professional
career of one the state's ultimate athletes, whose accommodating,
unassuming manner belies the image of a brawler.
Inoue
played baseball at University High School, competed in triathlons,
qualified for freediving nationals and even was offered a swimming
scholarship.
He
was a world champion in racquetball in 1986 and 1990 and a Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu champion in 1996-97 before becoming a Super Brawl standout.
"Egan
has been a champion at everything he has done in his life. I
am sure he will be successful in his new chosen career,"
said T. Jay Thompson, Super Brawl promoter.
But
of all the sports, Inoue, owner of Grappling Unlimited in Halawa,
considers mixed martial arts fighting "the most challenging
sport there is. Even if I'm not going to be fighting anymore,
I'll still train."
While
the sport appears to be brutal, even primeval, Inoue has a different
viewpoint.
"It
becomes like a chess game. It takes away from like, 'I'm going
to fight this guy and beat this guy up.' It comes more tactical.
You set up your moves ahead of time."
Inoue
says many have come to his school for a workout and have no intention
of fighting. But then, "they learn how to box, learn how
to wrestle, learn how to do jiu-jitsu. Then they learn how to
put things together."
Then,
Inoue says, they get curious and wonder how they would do in
competition. "It's not about beating up someone," says
Inoue, whose style combines jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing and
kickboxing. Inoue also preaches staying humble as well as analytical
during competition.
"I
think letting your work speak for itself is important. It's not
cockiness that gets you by anything."
Inoue
says the difference between his style of instruction and others
"is that when we go into a fight, we think, we use strategy
and technique rather than anger."
With
"a lot of guys coming out of my camp," Inoue senses
the time is right for retirement.
"I
don't feel I need to be the flagship anymore for Grappling Unlimited,"
he said.
But
Inoue's actual reasons are more logical.
"Number
one, I just got a job in pharmaceutical sales, and I'm 37 right
now. Training is harder. This (sales) is long term, I have two
kids (daughters Nika, 5, and Tia, 4) and a family and I got to
think about that. ... my family is my future," he said.
Said
Inoue's wife, Gina: "I'm happy for him to retire; I think
it's his time."
Inoue
has been in martial arts (karate) since he was 5. He was influenced
by his grandfather, Shoso, who is a Shodokan black belt.
Inoue
knew where he was headed after his racquetball career.
"My
brother (Enson, 35) started doing this type of fighting in Japan,"
Inoue said. "He told me, 'Egan, you gotta check this out.
We can win at this sport.' So I went.
"By
the time I was done with racquetball I knew where I was going."
But
even that almost took a detour.
Inoue
tore up his right knee when his shoe tore while playing racquetball.
The injury would sideline him from the sport for all of 1992.
To
rehabilitate, Inoue used swimming and diving.
He
decided to enter a freediving national qualifier on the North
Shore.
To
qualify, freedivers were allowed to spear three fish per species
and whoever had the heaviest total would win.
"That
day, the water was murky, so you had to dive 60 feet or lower,"
Inoue said.
Many
divers came up empty handed.
Inoue,
who said he can hold his breath under water for more than four
minutes while stalking a prey, finished first, at first. But
after one of his fish was disallowed, he ended up third (the
top three qualified).
The
nationals were held in Connecticut. Instead, Inoue resumed his
racquetball career before retiring in 1994.
Just
two years ago, the University of Hawai'i tried — but failed
— to get Inoue into swimming after he beat members of the
team.
Inoue
said he swam in three meets and won his event, the breaststroke,
each time.
"It
was a matter of being able to swallow more water than anyone
else. It's how much pain you can take. For real," Inoue
said.
After
Saturday, Inoue hopes he'll enjoy more pleasure than pain. He's
already headed in that direction.
"My
favorite thing to do right now is spend time with the kids and
family," he said.
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
Jens
Pulver Speaks!
By: TAPUOUT247@aol.com
Catching up with the UFC's once, and potentially future LIGHTWEIGHT
CHAMPION!
ADCC:
Talk about your last fight, against Takehiro Murahama at the
UFO from your point of view. Jens: We just simply exchanged blows
from the word go and that was it. We hit each other very hard
and you could hear the punches land very loudly inside the dome.
I felt that I could have used my jab more but I moved forward
and punched very hard and like the way that I am coming around
I also threw more kicks to the head and a lot more knees. I was
pleased with this one.
ADCC:
How tough was your opponent compared to other fighters you have
faced? Jens: his standup was unlike anyone else's, he threw combos
very well and was very aggressive with his attacks. He could
move well and used the ring to move around. I felt that he was
very tough in his field and I was more than happy to trade with
him making him even tougher.
ADCC:
Word is your are a legend in Japan, is that true? Jens: I am
no legend anywhere, but it was fun to see the appreciation being
showed by them, I spent a lot of time signing autographs after
the fight and had a good time over all.
ADCC:
How is fighting in Japan different from in the US? Jens: the
jet lag is the initial threat but after that it is all about
dealing with the excitement of not being home. I have had a hard
time missing the UFC bit I am getting more and more comfortable
inside the ring rather than the cage, they call stalling very
fast there and that helped me push even harder. I enjoy the fans
as well they know what they are watching and appreciate a good
fight. It was great.
ADCC:
How did the UFO promotion treat you? Jens: they treated me very
well and I would be more than happy to fight for them again in
the future. They are true professionals in that aspect.
ADCC:
Word has it that Tyson was there; did you get to meet him, and
do you think he will ever fight MMA? Jens: I did not get to meet
him, I was to busy getting ready for my fight. I am not sure
if he will fight MMA but if he does then that would be special
for the MMA world just for the coverage alone as long as he does
it right and people can tell that he belongs in there it will
not be a problem.
ADCC:
Lets look toward October 11, 2002, You will be fighting Duane
'Bang' Ludwig for the UCC title, what do you think about that
matchup? Jens: it is one that people have been wanting to see.
I just want to thank Duane for the opportunity and hope that
the fight goes well. It will be a great fight with a big standup
possibility, so we will just have to wait and see.
ADCC:
What do you think of Ludwig's ability? Jens: He is a great standup
fighter with the size and reach over me, so that means that I
will have to work twice as hard to get inside. He can fight and
has done many standup fights in the past and is a real contender
for the belt. I look to great fight between the both of us and
the fans should get an exciting fight.
ADCC:
Will you prepare for him any different from your other opponents?
Jens: no, I will not. I train very hard for all opponents and
take all of them as a threat so I will train the way I normally
do and we will just have to see if it is good enough.
ADCC:
What kind of opponent specific training do you work on? Jens:
I worked on a lot of plyo's to get my feet faster as well as
the usual training to get into shape. I was very ready for both
the fight and the jet lag.
ADCC:
Do you think he is overrated as a MMA fighter? Jens: No way,
people have not seen this guy's stand up. He was all over Masato
in the last K-1 and has very good hands. I think that he is the
first fighter ever to use body shots in his combos. Maybe his
ground is not up to par, but I had no intention of going to the
ground so that made this fight very tough.
ADCC:
Let's talk about the UFC, what do you think about the lightweight
tournament? Jens: I think it will be a great tournament, they
have some tough fighters in there and they all deserve that shot.
I am rooting for Din on this one and hope that he put together
two great fights to get that belt. I understand that they do
not get to fight for the real belt but I had other things to
do and that is the way it goes right now. Maybe the UFC will
have me back and then we will get to find out who the real champ
is...
ADCC:
What do you think about the Penn/Serra matchup in the next UFC?
Jens: I think that Serra is good but will find himself in a stand
up battle that he cannot win against BJ. If this fight goes to
the ground then maybe it could turn out different.
ADCC:
What do you think about the Thomas/Uno matchup? Jens: I think
that Uno doesn't have the surprises for Din like last time and
Din will also keep this fight standing more and will just be
too big for Uno. The fight could go in Uno's favor if Din fights
him the was he fought Fabiano. This should be a great fight either
way.
ADCC:
Will the winner of the tournament be the true lightweight UFC
champion in your mind? Jens: No they will not be, they will be
the UFC champ but not the world champ. I am still here winning
fights and defending that honor with or without the belt. Either
way it is a great feeling to have that belt wrapped around your
waist when the fight is over. There is a lot of prestige with
that belt and that is what matters. As long as the fighters are
happy with their performances than that is all that can be asked.
ADCC:
With the UFC getting more and more mainstream do you regret the
move to other organizations? Jens: No I do not regret leaving,
it was something that I had to do and that is what matters with
me. I am happy for the sport and for Zuffa getting all this attention
and I wish them the best and hope that one day I can come home
to the UFC where I belong.
ADCC:
Understanding the decision was financially based is that enough
of a reward when it looks as if UFC fighters will be getting
serious national recognition now that it has made it to network
television? Jens: I look at it this way, I would rather be paid
than known. Being popular is great and all but I have bills to
pay and one cannot fight forever so I need to start planning
my exits while I have the opportunity. I really wish that the
UFC and I could come to some sort of agreement and then it would
work out for the both of us until then I guess I will just have
to be a no name.
ADCC:
What has to take place before you return to the UFC? Jens: I
want to be paid what the other champs are being paid and that
is all. I feel that I bring a lot to the table besides fighting
and truly felt that I deserved a little more than what was offered.
Besides I am the best lightweight out there and deserved to be
paid more than them. The UFC has been great to me and I love
them for that. Maybe if I was financially well off this would
not have mattered but as it is now it was strictly a business
decision and there is no bad blood between us. Hopefully I can
return soon and we will work everything out in the process.
ADCC:
Jens, any words for your fans? Jens: Thank you all for supporting
my decision to give up the belt and go else where. Thank you
for still taking an active part in my career and thank you for
making this sport so fun. I am fighting for you and will always
be available to any one that wants to say hello. Seriously, Thank
you all very much.
ADCC:
Thanks for your time and again congratulations on a tough victory!
Thank you.
Source: ADCC
8/16/02
Quote
of the Day
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
Thomas
Edison
Congratulations
to Sheldon & Nina
Congratulations
to our good friends and Egan's "general" Sheldon Young
on the new addition to their family. For all of you who don't
know Shel, he's the guy in Grappling Unlimited's corner coaching
the guys at the fights and tournaments and looks like he's in
a bad mood all the time. He's a great guy and a better friend.
Maybe the baby will make him smile more. Probably not.
Yes she finaly popped! August 10th at 5:38pm! 7 lbs. 6oz.! We
are doing fine just TRIED and hungry. Sorry no pictures yet.
I don't know how to use our new digital camera printer, but will
work on it soon! Oh her name is Miyuki Hunter Young pretty cool
huh! I thought of it!!!
Shel and Nina and baby
UFC
37.5 on Oceanic Pay-per-view Today!
Friday August
16, 2002 4:00 PM
Channel 76
Belfort vs. Liddell (Main Event)
Listings
for Oceanic
Replays
Sat Aug 17 1:00 PM Ch 77
Sun Aug 18 8:00 AM Ch 77
Sun Aug 18 12:00 PM Ch 76
Sunday,
Aug 11 UFC (Ortiz vs. Kondo, past UFC) 3:00 pm Ch 41 (FSN?)
FIRST
AMERICAN NATIONAL JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP
1st
AMERICAN NATIONAL JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP
THE
TOURNAMENT
The
tournament will take place on
November 2nd and 3rd
in
Hawthorne Memorial
Center
3901 W. El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne, CA.
The
champions of the blue, purple, brown and black belts adult divisions
(man only) will join the first Jiu-Jitsu American Team to compete
USA X Brazil Jiu-Jitsu Teams Challenge that will take place in
the USA next year.
Only
american citizens allowed at this tournament.
The
division is open for everyone, but athletes of other age divisions
willing to compete here will not be allowed to fight in their
own division (athletes can only enroll in one age division)
Fight
time:
white belt 5 minutes
blue belt 6 minutes
purple belt 7 minutes
brown belt 8 minutes
black belt 10 minutes
Masters
(30-35) Athletes born between 1967 and 1972
Fight
time:
Blue belt 5 minutes
Purple/brown/black belts 6 minutes
Seniors
1 (36-40) Athletes born between 1962 and 1966.
Fight
time: all belts - 5 minutes
Seniors
2 (41-45) Athletes born between 1957 and 1961.
Fight
time: all belts - 5 minutes
Seniors
3 (over 46) Athletes born before 1956.
Fight
time: all belts - 5 minutes
Women
There
will be three weight divisions (check weight list)
Purple,
brown and blackbelts will compete in the same division
Adults
only
Fight
time:
Blue belt 6 minutes
Purple/brown/black belt 7 minutes
WEIGH
INS AND HOW TO ENROLL
The
enrollment fee – which will be charged during the weigh
ins – for athletes who fill the form correctly is US$ 60.00.
Athletes who didn’t fill the form properly(any kind of change
or correction on your registration at the weigh in day) will
pay U$20.00 extra fee. Athletes who didn’t enroll through
the Internet will pay US$ 100.00.
The
weigh ins will take place on November 1st (Friday), on the Hawthorne
Memorial Center. Athletes must bring their Ids or some other
identification document (the athletes will weigh without Gi).
OTHER
INFO
Each
academy can only have two athletes in the same division (of age/weight/belt).
If your academy has problems regarding the number of athletes
in each division, please send an e-mail to IBJJF(ibjjf@cbjj.com.br).
Before
each fight, athletes will be asked to show their Ids to the officials.
Make sure you have it at hand.
David
Womack has announced the date for the August event. Also check
out David's new website at www.grapplerguild.com
MOD
Presents: The Richmond Grapplers Challenge VI
August
25th Brazilian Jiu-jitsu & Submission Wrestling
$20
entrance fee
Weigh
ins are 9:30-10:30
Directions:
95 to 64 west take first exit Staples mill Rd. west follow Staples
mill to Hermitage Rd. Take a right on Hermitage (there is a 7-11
& a light at this intersection) Take immediate left on Glazebrook
ave. Follow Glazebrook to the end. MOD is on the left come in
through the side entrance.
The
Richmond Grapplers Challenge is a year long circuit with one
challenge a month, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu & Submission Wrestling.
Points will be given for showing up (2 Points), Placing 1st (4
Points), Placing 2nd (2 Points),Placing 3rd (1 Point). At the
end of the season the top six point holders will receive awards,
as well as partial sponsorship towards competing the following
season at a National or international event.
Funded
by the Richmond Grapplers Challenge (Half of all the money brought
in by the challenge). There will also be Awards given for the
most submissions, throws, etc. This challenge is open to all
grapplers near & far. There will be no spectators. If you
are a coach who is not competing, you will be expected to help
with the Challenge.
For
more info call or e-mail David Womack at 804-928-3463 or modsombo@aol.com.
MOD
GYM 8506 Glazebrook Ave.,Richmond, VA 23228 Phone #: (804)928-3463
Mach
To Miss SHOOTO In September
Sakurai
injured, out of upcoming SHOOTO Show!
SHOOTO
and UFC veteran Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai is sidelined and will miss
what was to be his return to SHOOTO in Japan on September 16,
2002.
Sakurai,
of Gutsman Dojo, has been on the card since July. Ranked 1st
contender in the Middleweight Division, Sakurai has been active
in the sport since 1996. Having matches as short as 30 seconds
to as long as 24 minutes, Sakurai has scored wins on a great
many, including Ademir Oliveira, Frank Trigg, Jutaro Nakao, Kaoru
Uno and many others.
With
a near perfect win record, Sakurai made his UFC debut at Worlds
Collide when he met Matt Hughes in the octagon for the UFC Welterweight
Championship. Sakurai lost by TKO from strikes at 3:01 of Round
4.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Hawaiian
State Grappling Championship Details
(NAGA Submission
Tournament)
WHEN: Saturday, September 21st (10 AM TO 4 PM)
WHERE: Honolulu, HI (Farrington H.S. Gymnasium)
Tenative
Schedule
EVENT SCHEDULE –
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2002
TIME
EVENT SPECIAL NOTES:
10:00 AM
DOORS OPEN to general public (Registration & Weigh-in begins
and lasts all day)
NAGA events
are not based on the BJJ Point System. The intent of our judges
decision making criteria is to entice fighters to win by submission
rather than by points. The primary difference is that NAGA fighters
obtain advantages for attempting submission. Please read the
following outline of how a judge selects a winner in an NAGA
event for both GI & Non-GI Competition when the contest does
not end in submission.
Q&A ON JUDGING
AT A NAGA EVENT
Q#1. How do
you decide who won a match?
A#1. The winning
player in a NAGA-sponsored match is the one who makes his opponent
submit. If there is no submission, certain things happen in a
contest that gives one player an “Advantage” over the
other. For example, if one player takes the other down, anyone
watching can tell that person is ahead. NAGA uses a sophisticated
version of this commonsense approach, recognizing specific (1)
Minor Advantage, and (2) Major Advantage.
Q#2. Okay, that
makes sense. What is a Major Advantage?
A#2. Major Advantage
(2) is awarded for:
A full and strong
submission attempt. This is evident when one or more of the following
occurs: The opponent takes time to escape; Upon escaping, does
not instantly move to an attack of his own, but instead assumes
a defensive posture; the defender is ‘In Danger’, i.e.
the finish has the potential for completion (if a knee bar, the
hips have to be placed correctly, if a choke, the neck must have
been reached, etc.); The finish in question is not a low percentage
submission (wrist lock, body scissors, etc).
A clean takedown,
ideally with amplitude, that ends with the opponent controlled
(Cross Side, Mount, any number of freestyle wrestling rides,
among many others), or with a submission attempt.
A sweep from
Guard that is followed by control of the opponent, of sufficient
duration to set up a submission. As noted just previously, this
can take any number of forms. Aggressively passing the Guard
to any form of control that lends itself to submission, of sufficient
duration to set up a submission. The pass must be aggressive,
and not initiated against a sweep or submission attempt on the
part of the player who has Guard.
Q#3. I am still
with you. What is a Minor Advantage?
A#3. Minor Advantage
(1) is awarded for:
A submission
attempt, takedown attempt (notably to within guard), sweep from
Guard, or Guard pass (notably against someone who is trying a
sweep or submission) that does not meet the standards defined
above. It can also happen that one of the above is so unsuccessfully
executed that no Advantage what so ever is recognized.
Getting the
opponent into an aggressive Guard (bottom player noticeably is
attempting a submission or further positional gain). Simply holding
a static Guard is considered Timidity, the exact opposite of
Effective Aggressiveness. Guard can be gained from standing,
or from the ground.
Ground Control
of the opponent of such a form, and for such a period of time,
that submission attempts are readily available. Note that gaining
any particular position repeatedly is irrelevant as it misses
the point of control, which is to set up a submission, what ever
the form of control may be. Note further that once control is
achieved, you have to stay active. Reversing a position also
constitutes a Minor Advantage.
Q#4. How is
this different from just giving points?
A#4. Advantage
is a tool used in choosing a winner; it is not as a strict numerical
crutch. The tail must not wag the dog. Players must continually
strive to defeat the opponent, not try to sway the judges by
making repeated, half-hearted attempts at Advantage.
Q#5. I am almost
done. What if they are even?
A#5. If players
are equal in Advantage, judges will determine Clean Grappling
by considering who controlled the pace, place, and position on
the mat. If they are still equal, Judges should give the decision
to the player with less warnings or cautions. If still even the
edge shall be given to the fighter who better exemplifies the
sport as an exciting, colorful, viable contest. If the situation
yet remains equal, the judges will turn to Effective Aggressiveness,
Mat Generalship, and Defense. Each of these are described in
the NAGA Rulebook. If the players are still equal, then an overtime
period can be called for.
Source: Nagafighter
Website
TFC
FightZone:
Saulo Ribeiro vs Jason Ireland
The TFC FightZone
returns to the Toledo Sports Arena September 20, 2002 with Four
Championship Matches.
Super Fight
Championship:
- Saulo Ribeiro (Six-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion) vs Jason
(The Irish Tornado) Ireland (27-3)
Super Heavyweight
Championship:
- Brian Hawkins vs Don Richards
Middleweight
Championship:
- Thomas (Wild Man) Denny vs David Garcia
Jr. Lightweight
Championship:
- Steve (The Weasel) Hallock vs Travis Wright
Plus see:
- Dave Knaggs vs Dan Gilbert
- David Gardner vs TBA
- Tommy Lee vs Jason Meyers
- Todd Slater vs Sean Bonner
- Quinn Valley vs TBA
More fights
announced soon!!
Tickets are
on sale now at Ticket master, or the Toledo Sports arena.
There
are some strong rumors about yet another offer to return to the
ring for Rickson Gracie. Gracie was at the recent August 8th
UFO event as a guest, and was he challenged by Naoya Ogawa, as
many insiders had predicted.
Ogawa
is a protege of Antonio Inoki, the owner of UFO, and Ogawa is
on record saying he would do a legitimate fight for the right
money, presumably for large sums of money! It's no secret that
Rickson Gracie is one of the highest paid fighters in MMA history,
so this match will not be an average payday for either!
Strong
rumors from Japan indicated that Inoki could offer (or has already
offered) Gracie 500 Million Yen (the equivalent of roughly $4,000,000
in the U.S.).
This
would be the largest payday of any MMA event in history, and
it is rumored for the UFO's second show, scheduled for January
2003.
Source:
Abu Dhabi
8/15/02
Quote
of the Day
He's no failure. He's not dead yet.
William
Lloyd George
Warriors
Quest 7
Aug 30, 2002
Blaisdell Center
Get
your tickets now!
Warriors
Quest
Light Heavyweight World Championship
David
"Kawika" Pa'aluhi Vs. Sean Gray
Gray
is coming back Hawaii and says he's is going to leave the Champion.
Gray also states his first round TKO win over Falaniko Vitale
wasn't a fluke and he is here to prove that. And in the other
corner, Hawaiian ppwer house Kawika Pa'aluhi has othe plans.
He came back after a long lay off and knocked out highly favorited
Pride veteran Bobby Southworth. Pa'aluhi also has his eyes set
on going home the new Champion.
UFC
to Premiere BELFORT VS. LIDDELL Fight On All Cable PPV Networks
AUG. 16
Oceanic August 16 Cable
76 at 4:00 PM
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
SHOWDOWN HAS NEVER BEEN TELEVISED; SHOW INCLUDES 5 ADDITIONAL
FIGHTS FROM BELLAGIO IN LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS, August
13, 2002…The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will premiere
Belfort Vs. Liddell, a special two-hour fight show at 10 p.m.
EDT/7 p.m. PDT, Friday, Aug. 16, on all its pay-per-view television
networks and satellite providers, iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, TVN, Dish
Network, Bell ExpressVu and Viewers Choice Canada.
Belfort Vs.
Liddell will be the first opportunity that most fight fans will
have to see the Light Heavyweight showdown between top contenders
Chuck Liddell of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Vitor Belfort of
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from Bellagio in Las Vegas because it
has never been televised. The suggested retail price is $19.95.
Pay-per-view
re-plays and encore performances will continue to air during
August and early September. The iN DEMAND re-play schedule is
7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT on Channel iN2, Saturday, Aug. 17; 2 p.m.
EDT/11 a.m. PDT on iN2 and 6 p.m. EDT/3 p.m. PDT on iN1, Sunday,
Aug. 18, and 1 a.m. EDT, Friday, Aug. 23/10 p.m. PDT, Thursday,
Aug. 22, on iN2.
DIRECTV will
offer All Day Ticket re-plays on Aug. 18, 20, 22, 26 and 30,
and Sept. 1 and 6. Dish Network will offer encore performances
at Midnight EDT, Saturday, Aug. 17/9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 16, and
All Day Tickets on Aug. 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 30.
Five additional
fights from the Bellagio card, including highlights of the Welterweight
battle between Robbie Lawler of Davenport, Iowa, and Steve Berger
of St. Louis, Mo., that was televised on Fox Sports Net's Best
Damn Sports Show Period, will be included in the show. Also featured
will be two welterweight bouts between Benji Radach of Longview,
Wash., and Nick Serra of East Meadow, N.Y., and Pete Spratt of
Denison, Tex. versus Zach Light of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a middleweight
fight between Tony Fryklund of Boston, Mass., and Rodrigo Ruas
of Rio de Janeiro, and a lightweight dual between Joao Pierini
Marcos of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Yves Edwards of The Woodlands,
Tex.
The Ultimate
Fighting Championship (UFC), headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev.,
is the world's leading mixed martial arts sports event. Owned
and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the UFC programs six live pay-per-view
events yearly through cable and satellite providers. In addition
to its US distribution on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, TVN and Dish Network,
UFC events are distributed internationally through British Sky
Broadcasting, WOWOW, Inc., in Japan, Globosat in Brazil and Modern
Sports and Entertainment in Scandinavia. UFC licenses video games
for all major playing platforms through Crave Entertainment.
The UFC's next
PPV event will be at 10 p.m. EDT/7 p.m. PDT on Friday, Sept.
27, live from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Locate Ultimate
Fighting Championship on the internet at www.ufc.tv.
Source: Josh
Hedges/UFC
UFO
and the TV Ratings!
While it seems
that the UFC's TV ratings on FOX are more than expected, the
talk overseas regarding the UFO event in Japan has many negative
thoughts from Japanese TV insiders. There was a feature on TV
ratings in Nikkan Sports (a Tokyo newspaper) regarding the UFO
event.
In the article,
it mentioned that the 8/8/02 Tokyo Dome show had the worst paid
ticket sales in the history of MMA at the Tokyo Dome. Bad ticket
sales were blamed on the show being placed in a weekday slot
(on a Thursday) instead of a weekend event.
Ratings for
the show (which failed to air the first four matches) was 10.8%.
Although this would be a monstrous success in the U.S., it failed
to meet the 15% expectations of TV execs at Nippon.
Nippon became
a large backer of the show by paying nearly $400,000 in production
and TV costs for the show. Execs were wanting a powerful product
that would beat the competition and it came in 4th out of the
four big networks. Despite the woeful early 'results' NIPPON
TV is apparently aboard to back Antonio Inoki and the UFO for
another event in January. Stay tuned for more!
Source: Abu
Dhabi
HAWAIIAN
STATE GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIP
(NAGA Submission
Tournament)
WHEN: Saturday,
September 21st (10 AM TO 4 PM)
WHERE: Honolulu,
HI (Farrington H.S. Gymnasium)
WHAT: Over 50
Gi & No-Gi (Kids, Teen, Women, Senior & Adult) Divisions
RULES: NO-GI
Use standard NAGA Rules, ADULT GI DIVISIONS: Use standard BJJ
Rules
4-MAN
ABSOLUTE DIVISION:
STEVE HORDINSKI - Team Relson Gracie Brown Belt, 2001 NAGA Hawaiian
4-Man Superfight Champion, Relson Gracie National's Champion,
Hawaiian State BJJ Champion
BRUNO EWALD - Long Man BJJ, Royler Gracie Black Belt, Brazilian
BJJ National Champion, 2nd and 3rd Place as a brown belt in the
World Championships of BJJ, Pacific Rim No-Gi Professional Heavyweight
Champion
NIKO VITALE – Grappling Unlimited - 2001 NAGA Heavy Weight
Champion, Pacific Rim Professional Middle weight Champion, Successful
MMA Fighter
TBA
We would like
to see a representative from Joao Morais, Nova Uniao, Shokushinkai,
Suzui Shootfighting, Marcelo Tiger, or Renato Verissimo represented
in this No-Gi 4-man. Please contact Kipp Kollar at President@nagafighter.com or 860-632-2753 if you have someone
that you think can take home the 4-Man Title!
UFC
UK
The Trials and Tribulations
of Taking it on the Road
Eight
months ago, a carefully laid plan was put in place. The plan
was fairly simple. Fly in low under the radar, dig in deep, and
then explode onto the scene. While sounding more like a World
War I strategy, the "little company that could" gambled
millions on it that it would pay off. In its quest to become
an international sensation, Zuffa Sports Entertainment set out
to take their mixed martial arts promotion where it had never
been before. On July 13, 2002, the planning came to fruition.
To the applause 4,500 plus fans, the Ultimate Fighting Championship
made its European debut at England's famous Royal Albert Hall.
It was a hard road to London, harder than most will ever know,
with obstacles arising in the days and even hours leading up
to UFC 38 that will never be told. But true to its name, Zuffa
wasn't going to give up their greatest challenge yet without
a fight. With its Las Vegas office packed in suitcases, Zuffa
made the 10-hour flight overseas, knowing that the stakes were
high, but the payoff would be sweet.
It's
July 29th, two weeks after the show, and Zuffa president Dana
White is trying to balance his one-year-old on his knee as he
talks shop. The subject is London and he discusses how the city
first came into the big picture. "When we first bought the
company," he starts, "we were only on DirectTV in the
United States and Brazil and we had Viewer's Choice in Canada.
We were taking this thing global and that meant London. We talked
to the guys from SKY TV and we drafted a good game plan with
how to run this thing with free shows on TV, then turn it into
pay-per-view. Basically, it was a strategy."
With
the premiere of the UFC's weekly show in the United Kingdom at
the beginning of this year, Zuffa knew it had its foot in the
door. A culmination of fights, past and present, sprinkled with
commentary and (of course) advertisements for the upcoming UFC
in London, the weekly show initially introduced the product to
the fans. Within a couple of months, the show's success bumped
it up to two-hour installments. "We were playing on TV for
months and months there. The viewership grew every week -- huge.
Our ratings were just below the WWF there, but they were blowing
away major league baseball, the NHL, and the NBA -- blowing them
away!"
With
the show wetting the public's appetite, Zuffa turned its attention
next to a venue that would make a strong statement. Hoping to
a make a splash overseas, Zuffa set its sights high on a 140-year
old historical landmark, the Royal Albert Hall. But just how
did Zuffa get the house where such luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald,
Liza Minnelli, and Frank Sinatra once performed? Explains White,
"We kind of flew in under the radar. That's how we got the
Royal Albert Hall. We really did a 'soft launch' to them. What
you have to understand about the Royal Albert Hall is it's not
like a regular venue where they're out to make some money. That
place is like a national treasure. The Rolling Stones and the
Beatles have played there. They have a board of directors there
who decides what goes in there and what doesn't. When the Royal
Albert Hall found out what the UFC event really was, they weren't
too crazy about it."
Happy
or not, a contract was in place, and now it was UFC matchmaker
Joe Silva's turn to work his magic. The challenge? To put together
a card that would appeal to a live British audience as well as
the fans situated at home from around the world. Four local fighters
were tapped for the show, while remaining slots were filled with
returning champions, up-and-coming challengers, and one outrageous
Japanese showman. With the roster set, the plan rolled on.
Wishing
to plant its roots in even deeper in the UK, Zuffa joined forces
with the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA), an
organization formed last year, according to president Dale Adams,
to "focus on mixed martial arts events in the UK, ensuring
that they meet the correct safety regulations." Even though
BAMMA had not been recognized by the British government thus
far and Zuffa had no obligation to align itself with it, White
says he still saw a need to coordinate with the organization.
"We wanted to make sure we had a governing body involved
that was overseeing everything we did."
With
a venue, fighters, and sanctioning in place, the UFC unveiled
the show in April at the Haymarket's Sports Cafe in London. Recalls
White, "It wasn't until we really started getting aggressive
and had our first press conference and everything else, that
we started popping up on everybody's radar. You know, people
[with] 'human cockfighting' and all that kind of stuff -- the
controversy." Undaunted by the "characters that started
to come out of the woodwork," the cause trudged on. "Once
you're sanctioned and you know you're allowed to put on an event,
let 'em say that," taunts White. "Maybe they'll get
more people to tune in. They think they're going to see a car
accident, but what they see are great athletes in a great sport.
Who knows, maybe we can turn them into fans." As the months
turned to weeks, and the weeks turned to days, the Sunday before
the event arrived. Many of Zuffa's employees, sans matchmaker
Joe Silva (who stayed behind in case there was a last-minute
fighter dropout that he might be able to replace from Las Vegas),
boarded their planes for London. Fighters were also flown in
at this time, (hopefully) giving them ample enough time to adjust
to the time difference and jetlag. In the meantime, once they
arrived, the office staff dealt with poor telephone lines that
made Internet access almost impossible. By Tuesday, every computer
had to reinstall fresh programs to get online.
As
the show fast approached, Zuffa was set to handle their next
sizable obstacle -- the venue. Putting on the show at such an
illustrious and popular location had its price. The venue would
not be available for load-in till that Friday night at 8 PM,
the shortest period of setup time Zuffa had ever worked within.
However, with calculated precaution on its side, the deadline
was surmountable. The large and intricate lighting truss, along
with much of the staging platforms, were pre-constructed and
stored in warehouses close to the venue. As of early Saturday
morning, thirty or more men could be observed lifting the lighting
grid up into place. The familiar Octagon had already been assembled
below.
If
having limited time to setup was not enough, the Royal Albert
Hall added some interesting challenges to the mix. "Normally
when we move into our venues," explains White, "we
pull up to a loading dock and the guys have forklifts to pull
the equipment in. Here, they only had an elevator. Everything
had to be brought up in an elevator."
With
the architectural limitations of "the Hall," adjustments
were made and the usual elements of past American extravaganzas
were scaled back. Per RAH's instructions, the pyrotechnics of
the show were simplified. "I guess they didn't want us burning
down their national treasure," recalls White with a chuckle.
With its antique walls and opera-like box-seating, Zuffa was
pinned down to only one viewing screen, situated at the very
top of the fighter's entrance ramp. Unfortunately, depending
on where one sat, view of the screen was obstructed. "We
couldn't do our normal setup with the screens, but we figured
it wouldn't be a big deal because the seats were so great. Anytime
that we're not limited by the venue, we always us the same set
up -- two screens on the side and now the center screen we have
as well." Regardless, the actual seating for the show offered
fans sitting at the highest points in the arena a breathtaking
panoramic view of the cage, something that White observed on
one of his many trips to the venue prior to the show. "It's
beautiful, not to mention the layout is perfect for MMA. We've
talked about building a stadium here in Vegas, and if we do it,
that's what we're going to build. We'll build the Royal Albert
Hall, but it will seat 7,000 -- not 5,000." With the Octagon
ready to host a night of MMA action, staff members buzzed around
the arena making final preparations. They were ready for the
fans. They were ready for the press.
"With
headlines like "Glorified Bloodbath" and "Caged
Beasts," the British press had descended on the UFC, like
vultures to a dead carcass. But Zuffa, determined to get a fair
shake in this town, did their best to roll out the welcoming
mat for their newfound guests. When unsuspecting throngs of mainstream
media showed up to a bonanza press conference on April 17th,
Zuffa introduced the event in grand fashion, complete with instructional
video, live demonstration, and the three very live British fighters
set to fight at the event (fourth Brit James Zikic was added
to the roster later). Zuffa was out to put its best foot forward,
and reporters that had come looking for a juicy scoop most likely
left somewhat perplexed. With a clear agenda and glowing professionalism,
Zuffa was probably not what they were expecting. Careful preparation
and planning had been utilized, and as articles on the upcoming
show began to hit the newsstands, the reviews were generally
favorable (apart from the "catchy" titles, a trademark
of the British writing-style). Combat magazine ran a thoughtful
4-page story, complete with a mostly accurate history of the
show as well as interesting commentary from British competitors
Ian Freeman, Mark Weir, and Leigh Remedios. The day of the show,
articles ran simultaneously in two major London publications,
The Sun and The Times. The Sun ran a page on main event participants
Matt Hughes and Carlos Newton in its own sports section - Newton,
from British Colombia, obviously got major props for being quoted
as saying, "...being in Britain is like coming home."
The Times focused on the UFC's turbulent past, and although theirs
might have been one of the harsher articles of the lot, thousands
of people were introduced to the sport through the printed word
that day. Although it remains to be seen how the press handled
the UFC following the show (a quick scan of papers the next day
yielded no results), White was undoubtedly pleased with the outcome.
"I thought they we're pretty fair," he remarked. "We
got more press there in the one month than we've gotten for ten
years here in America."
As
show time loomed, the fans began to stream in around 5 PM to
take their seats. The male 18-25 demographic was out in full
force, but women and even senior citizens could be seen among
the growing audience as well. Many of the fans were undoubtedly
seeing the show live for the first time, and had been sustained
till now by the steady flow of imported videotapes, followed
by the installation of the weekly UFC show on SKY TV. Twenty-two
year old James Shears of Southampton, a regular viewer of the
weekly show, had driven two hours to the event, but says it was
a trip well worthwhile. "I think it's excellent," he
chimed. "It's long overdue. I think the country as a whole
will be totally receptive to it. We have little events you can
go in on, but this is the big time." Donna Wyatt, age 30,
and Lucy Richardson, age 22, both of Bedford and taking in the
show together for the first time, had followed the event in its
earlier days. Said Wyatt, "I started watching it about ten
years ago. I saw UFC 1 on tape but obviously there's been a lot
of changes since then. I've kinda lost touch. When I first started,
it was Royce Gracie and Tank Abbott. So when they decided to
come to England, I was there." Whether it be a fan of old
or new, everyone had their favorites. "It's unbelievable
that the UFC has come over to England anyway, but the fact that
we've got Carlos and Matt Hughes is like 'Oh my God'!,"
announced 23-year old Robert Butler, of Sheffield. Indeed, Carlos
Newton (possibly due to the little extra push he received from
the local press) was an early favorite. Ian Freeman, although
the strong underdog in his match-up with Frank Mir, was deemed
a main attraction as well. "He's the only British fighter
that's been in the UFC mix for a while," cited Steve Shears,
James' brother. Whichever fighter one came out to see, there
were thirteen others on the card that were sure to impress as
well. By the night's end, the ecstatic yet respectful crowd,
were noticeably moved. In fact, much of the audience still sat
in their seats moments after the main event had reached completion
-- they didn't want to leave!
With
UFC 38 a resounding success among those who attended (the buzz
in the air could be felt for miles), the fighters, their entourages,
family, and friends adjourned briefly back to the hotel and from
there it was onto Piccadilly Circus (London's thriving nightlife
quarter) for the official after-party. Two large buses transported
the upbeat crew through the busy streets of London to the exclusive
China White nightclub where they were treated to an open bar
and delectable edibles. While the invitations indicated the festivities
concluded at 4 AM, "the brawl after the hall" occurred
somewhere in the early morning hours of that Sunday morning.
What is known is an impromptu fight occurred on the street outside
China White, but many of the details regarding the fight have
seemingly been "forgotten" by those involved. Among
those identified in the melee, UFC Light-heavyweight Champion
Tito Ortiz and friends, as well as British fighter Lee Murray,
who according to Ortiz, kicked the him in the face while he was
down. White, himself, is tight-lipped about what exactly happened,
claiming to have not been at the party when the fight occurred.
"I have no information on that. What that was, was a bunch
of stupid drunk people," he commented. Confirmed by Ortiz
the next day in the fighter's hotel lobby as he sported a nasty
scrape on his forehead and cuts in the inside of his lip, is
that all involved were under the influence of the complimentary
liquor. Hesitant to comment on the events until those involved
were identified, he explained that he became a part of the action
when he exited the club to find his friend facedown in the street
being attacked by unknown assailants. Conveniently, many of the
fighters left for the airport that morning, substantially cutting
down on the usual festering of gossip that could have proved
lethal if leaked to the British press. White admits they did
get numerous phone calls regarding the incident but fortunately,
none of these inquiries have come from England. Although, upon
returning to the States, some fighters involved went on the Internet
to describe their implications in the melee, White seems determined
to get his company past the incident, and it seems Zuffa has
dodged yet another bullet (one can just imagine how the British
and American headlines could have read). "We get enough
negative press without a bunch of jackasses getting into a fist
fight at the after-party." Evidently, White and Zuffa have
bigger fish to fry.
Apart
from its apparent plans for world domination, what can fans and
foes alike look forward to with the future of the UFC? "Our
next overseas show will be in Japan -- probably in January,"
announced White. "We're on free TV over there on WOWOW.
Next, it's going to be free TV over here." With two one-hour
specials for the Fox Sports Network in the can, it seems part
two of the plan is well in the works. As for England, when asked
if there is anything that Zuffa would do differently next time
if given the chance, White had this to say. "No. I loved
it. I walked away from England with not one negative feeling,
comment, or thought. The fans were great. The venue was great.
Everything worked and nobody got hurt. It was a fantastic show."
It seems the perils faced have turned to payoffs and with it's
first international show successfully under its belt, the sky's
the limit for Zuffa and the UFC. Sakè, anyone?
Source:
FCF
King
of the Cage on National FOX Television
Official
Press Release
LOS
ANGELES, California -The Fox network is set to run a segment
on "King of the Cage" beginning on Thursday, August
15th.
Be
sure to tune in for this nationally televised story which will
feature KOTC champions Javier "Showtime" Vazquez and
Dean "The Machine" Lister.
The
Los Angeles premiere will be on Fox 11 News on Thursday, August
15th during the 10:00pm to 11:00pm newscast.
The
story will then be re-run in Los Angeles on Friday, August 16th
on the 6:00am newscast and then throughout the weekend.
The
nation-wide premiere will be on all Fox news channels beginning
Friday, August 16th during the 10:00pm to 11:00pm newscast.
Don't
miss this story covering "King of the Cage" and the
sport of mixed martial arts!
Source: Sherdog
UFO
II
A
couple of notes for the next UFO II show. As you know the ratings
were out of site for that show on Nippon television. They definitely
WILL have a second UFO card and there is talk of who will be
on it. Now yesterday we told you that K-1 really wants to sign
Jens Pulver to fight for their promotion, but it looks like the
UFO wants him as well. Our friends overseas tell MMAWeekly that
the UFO was very impressed with his performance at the first
UFO show and want to see him back. Now we have seen other rumors
reported in Japanese newspapers recently, as well as other websites
that the UFO is trying to get Royler Gracie on that card as well.
Jens Pulver has made it no secret that he wants a fight against
Royler. He said as much "In the Cage" recently. We
shall wait and see what happens, but it would be very interesting
to see Jens Vs Royler at UFO II.
Source:
MMA Weekly
8/14/02
Quote
of the Day
He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.
Benjamin
Franklin
Pride
News
Two weeks away from the biggest PRIDE event ever! Royler and
Royce Gracie are back together again training and fine tuning
strategy for the epic battle on August 28th against Olympic and
World Judo Champion Yoshida.
The
DYNAMITE event will also have Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira, Kazushi
Sakuraba, Vanderlei Silva, Mirko Cro Cop, Don Frye and many other
stars and will be held at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo,
Japan and Kid is working on being there to cover every inside
story and every punch thrown! Keep checking ADCC News for the
latest on this great event.
Source:
Kid Peligro/Abu Dhabi
Nogueira,
Pulver Shine Most in UFO Event
TOKYO, Japan
-- With the UFO struggling for an identity, two of the world's
premiere mixed martial arts fighters stepped forward and showed
promoters the way of the future.
Rodrigo Nogueira and Jens Pulver, both considered the best fighters
in the world in their respective weight divisions, put on inspiring
performances that overshadowed the presence of pro wrestling.
"TV executives are now clear... the no-rules fighting is
more exciting than the pro wrestling," said a UFO insider
who asked not to be identified. "In the next show, we will
have more real fights and much less pro wrestling. No-rules fighting
is the future in Japan."
UFO was televised live on Nippon-TV and an estimated 7 million
people watched the show... to go along with a live crowd of 20,000
at the Tokyo Dome. While the live crowd was smaller than hoped,
the TV numbers were good enough for UFO to plan another show
in January.
In its debut, UFO mixed real NHB matches with pro wrestling bouts,
thinking that it would take a big-name wrestler like Naoya Ogawa
to get people to watch the show. While Ogawa is very popular,
his bout against grossly overweight Matt Ghaffari was not a hit.
Ogawa landed one punch to the nose of Ghaffari, who turned and
ran away before quitting.
In real matches, Nogueira, the heavyweight champion from Pride,
dramatically ended his grappling chess match with Abu Dhabi champion
Sanae Kikuta when he countered a low kick with a straight right
that dropped the Japanese favorite and left him unconscious for
several minutes. The end came at 2:29 of the second round.
Pulver, the longtime UFC lightweight champion, made his Japan
debut with a 15-minute standup war against K-1 competitor Takehiro
Murahama. All rounds featured lots of punches landed, but Pulver
pulled out a split decision, running his post-UFC record to 2-0.
He was 6-0-1 in the UFC and is 29-2-1 overall.
"I know I could have taken him down and probably won much
easier on the ground," Pulver said. "But I prefer to
stand up and fight and I was determined to come here and beat
Murahama at his own game. From the way the fans reacted, I'd
say they enjoyed the fight... and that's important to me."
Pulver, a member of Team Extreme and Miletich Fighting Systems,
said he has been asked to fight in the next UFO event.
In other bouts, Vladimir Matyushenko overpowered and outwrestled
Rogerio Nogueira (twin brother of Rodrigo) to win a unanimous
decision. There was little standup in this bout, but Matyushenko
landed enough strikes from the top position on the mat to win
handily.
Mario Sperry won a very low-energy bout against Wataru Sakata,
claiming a unanimous decision. Sperry was severely cut above
the left eye early in the bout and officials nearly stopped the
fight. Afterwards, Sperry continued to get takedowns and maintain
position on top.
"They said if the cut opened up again, they would stop the
fight... and I would lose or get a no-contest," Sperry said.
"I got 10 stitches, so I did what I had to do to win the
fight."
Wallid Ismail, coming off a loss in Pride, stopped Murakami Kazunari
with punches on the ground. A bloody Kazunari protested, but
the TKO officially stopped the contest at 2:33 of the second
round.
In the night's first bout, Hirotaka Yokoi made quick work of
Canadian wrestler Bulldozer George, sinking in a rear choke at
47 seconds of the opening round.
In a "suspect" bout, Pride standout Kazuyuki Fujita
beat wrestler Tadao Yasuda by shoulder lock at 2:46 of the first
round. The bout lacked any striking and seemed to support the
rumors that it was a pro wrestling bout.
In a bout labeled an "exhibition," former WWF wrestler
Chyna (now Joannie Laurer) defeated last-minute replacement Chika
Nakamura in 1:50 by referee stoppage. Nakamura was "recruited"
from the crowd, where she just happened to be wearing fight gear.
The
Brazilian Beat:
Minotouro to Take on TK,
Storm Getting Closer!
The UFO Legends
event is already history and now the focus in Brazil is turned
to Shockwave and the next edition of Deep. August promises to
be a busy Month for the Brazilian NHB community with the participation
of Minotauro, and the likely participation of Vanderlei Silva,
at PRIDE Shockwave, as well as Brazilian fighters preparing for
Deep and the September UFC. Not only that, but the Muay Thai
community here will have another edition of the Storm Muay Thai
event, showcasing fighters from all over the country and developing
new talents for Muay Thai and NHB as well. With all those things
shaking up the fight scene in Brazil, FCF keeps up the rhythm,
as the beat goes on...
The next edition of the Storm Muay Thai event, promoted by the
Chute Boxe team, is set to once again shake the city of Curitiba
on August 24th. With the event fast approaching, the card is
taking its final shape... Chute Boxe fighter & MECA veteran
,Silvio Urutum, ended up out of Storm. His opponent jumped out
of the event last week due to an injury, and with little time
left before the 24th, Urutum will have to wait until the next
show to be able to perform in front of the Chute Boxe home crowd.
However, veteran Chute Boxe fighter with NHB experience, Osmar
Dias Fernandes will be competing against Kleverson da Silva,
who is a fighter from the BVT academy in Sao Paulo. Two other
matches that promise to heat up the event are Paiva vs. Rafael,
and Marlon vs. Peterson. Chute Boxes's own Marlon Matias was
considered one of the best athletes at the last Storm and is
already preparing to do NHB in the near future.
Speaking of
NHB, Ruas Vale Tudo star Pedro Rizzo is already training hard
for his upcoming fight in the UFC against Gan McGee. Rizzo told
FCF he is training mostly with heavier opponents, due to McGee's
weight, and will fly to the USA two weeks before the event to
finish his preparation with his master, Marco Ruas. Pedro will
also have the help of K-1 legend Peter Aerts to help in his stand-up
training for the fight. Aerts is coming to Brazil next week and
will stay training with Rizzo until the date of his departure.
On another small
Ruas Vale Tudo note, Renato Babalu Sobral apparently signed a
new contract with the UFC after his win over Elvis Sinosic in
London, and is likely to be fighting at the UFC November show,
although no opponent has been set at this point.
The first ever
fighting-only channel in Brazil, Premiere Combate, finally debuted
this last Friday. The first day of broadcast focused on UFC 27,
with Pedro Rizzo's own commentary about the event and as well
as discussion behind the scenes happenings. The most interesting
part on the first day of broadcast was some interviews with fighters,
footage of training sessions and Frank Mir teaching the infamous
shoulder lock that he used to defeat Pete Williams. The first
day of broadcast also featured some boxing matches. The channel
costs approximately 10 dollars per month to be viewed.
Rodrigo Minotauro
Nogueira, his brother Rogerio and Mario Sperry arrived back in
Brazil on Monday after their participation at the UFO event.
While in Japan, fighting and training weren't the only things
they did. The "Zen Machine" and Minotauro also attended
to the release party of a book showing a bit of the Brazilian
Top Team members' lives... from their training to surfing. A
Japanese crew, who spent a good amount of time in Brazil following
the day-by-day routine of the BTT stars and taking several pictures
in the process, did the book. Sperry and Minotauro signed several
autographs for a packed house during the release party, showing
the importance of NHB fighters in Japan.
As the Brazilian
Top Team continues its conquest of Japan, the Deep event is the
next stop on the "Top Team train." After three members
fighting at UFO and Minotauro signing for Shockwave later this
month, the next edition of Deep will also see the presence of
three BTT members: MECA veteran Fabio Mello will be competing
in Japan for the first time in his career, along with his teammate
Gilson Ferreira. However the biggest surprise for Deep will be
the appearance of Rogerio "Minotouro" Nogueira facing
none other than UFC veteran Tsuyoshi Kohsaka! After his loss
to rAw Team member Vladimir Matyushenko, Rogerio will be the
third BTT member to grace the Deep ring in its next edition.
Rodrigo "Minotauro"
Nogueira is keeping his promise of fighting at both UFO and Shockwave!
Nogueira was supposed to fight against K-1 fighter Mark Hunt,
but Hunt supposedly only wanted to do the fight under full K-1
rules, and Minotauro felt he needed more time to prepare, so
the PRIDE Heavyweight champion will wind up facing Bob Sapp,
while Hunt got his K-1 rules fight against Don Frye. "Mino"
is in Brazil now, but will be leaving again for Japan later this
week to finish his preparation for his fight against the huge
Sapp in the land of the rising sun.
On the subject
of the Chute Boxe team once again, Vanderlei Silva is still training
hard in preparation for Shockwave, while negotiations are still
going on. The negotiations for a fight with K-1's Ray Sefo fell
through about two weeks ago, and as of now another K-1 fighter,
Cyril Abdil, will likely be Silva's opponent at Shockwave. Since
anything can change at any minute when PRIDE is involved, it's
tough to say exactly what'll happen, but the fight will probably
be signed this week since time is running out. The training sessions
have been so hard that the "Axe Murderer" -- who is
known for never training with headgear -- was sporting two black
eyes last week, courtesy of Anderson Silva and Pele, and is now
walking around with a very swollen nose. Reports have it that
Vanderlei has been taking sparring very seriously and is probably
in the best shape of his fighting career, being already around
the 97kg, which will likely be the weight division for this next
fight.
After much talk
and debate it seems that things are finally taking shape for
the most important NHB even in Brazil nowadays, MECA World Vale
Tudo. Promoter Rudimar Fedrigo told FCF that it has been now
agreed with Sportv that MECA will have two more editions before
the end of this year, and as of now the promoters are waiting
for Sportv to define its schedule and set the date for the next
one, which will likely be at the end of September or beginning
of October. With fights like Eugenio Tadeu vs. Marcelo Giudice
on hold, and the possible participation of Pele on the card,
we can only hope things will be defined sooner rather than later!
Source: FCF
UFO
Legend Report
Naoya
Ogawa def. Matt Gaffari TKO 1:56 R1
Many MMA fans in Japan were afraid that Gaffari can't fight decently.
In the opening of the fight, Gaffari grappled Ogawa and took
him down in the ground. He showed a bit of his Greco-Roman style,
but he can't do anything and stand up soon. When they took distance
on the feet, Gafarri took an Ogawa punch to his left eye. His
contact-lens shifted in his eye, so he fell to the ground. It
seems that he lost his fighting spirit. The referee and audience
didn't realize the shifting of Ogawa's contact-lens. Ogawa punched
Gaffari's nose, and the referee stopped the fight. The audience
was flabbergasted at the finish, and Ogawa said, "I also
didn't image such a situation, I'm only lucky today".
But,
this time, the live program on Nippon TV recorded 21.2% ratings,
which means 21.2% of Japanese televisions tuned in. (The average
ratings of whole program was 10.8%). After the fight, in the
ring Ogawa said, "That's great if I can fight with the legendary
man who came here today." The man he was referring to was
Rickson Gracie. The announcer asked Ogawa "Please tell Rickson
something." Ogawa responded with: "Fight in Japan!"
NTV,
the organizer of UFO LEGEND, succeeded in advertising Ogawa vs.
Rickson. But, the audience on hand was only 28,648. It's the
worst audience record of Combat sport shows in Tokyo dome history,
and it's rumored most of the audience was papered. So NTV might
be in debt. Many mass-media in Japan have reported that the holding
of next Legend show in January is in a state of flux.
Kazuyuki
Fujita def. Tadao Yasuda by side choke 2:46 R1
Fujita
and Yasuda are on the same team: Inoki Office. First, the planned
opponent of Fujita and Yasuda were not Japanese, but NTV can't
find opponents of them. NTV decided to have Fujita and Yasuda
fight as a last resort. Fujita got angry in press conference
when this match was announced.
Fujita
controlled Yasuda in a one-sided fight. He took side position
and kicked Yasuda's head. Finally Fujita won with shoulder lock.
Fujita didn't talk to press and left Tokyo dome quickly after
his bout.
Rodrigo
Nogueira def. Sanae Kikuta KO 0:29 R2
In
the first round, Rodrigo and Kikuta showed exciting grappling
techniques. Rodrigo somersaulted and caught Kikuta's ankle quickly,
but Kikuta inserted his arm between Rodrigo's legs so he could
defend. Kikuta showed beautiful sweeps twice, but the end of
the first round, they knocked heads accidentally. Kikuta had
a cut along his left eye, and he looked weak. Rodrigo landed
a strong low kick.
In
round two Kikuta looked dizzy. Rodrigo scored many punches and
two strong knees. Kikuta lay on the mat, but Rodrigo provoked
Kikuta to stand up. Standing, Kikuta carelessly kicked Rodrigo's
body and Nogueira punched Kikuta's chin after he snatched a Kikuta'
kick. Kikuta was knocked out cold, and carried out on a stretcher.
Wallid
Ismail def. Kazunari Murakami TKO (strikes) 3:03 R2
In
round one, Wallid passed Murakami's guard one time, but most
of time, Murakami was in the half guard. In the second round,
Wallid controled Murakami, kept side position and landed punches
and knees to Murakami's head. Murakami was bleeding at the mouth,
and the referee stopped the fight.
Mario
Sperry def. Wataru Sakata unanimous decision 3R
The
live program on NTV began from this fight. Accidentally, Sperry
had a cut around his eye. After the fight Sperry said, "I
was in vaguely, so I can't fight well." Sperry took Sakata
down and controlled from half guard position all three rounds,
but he could not finish Sakata.
Vladimir
Matyushenko def. Rogerio Nogueira unanimous decision 3R
Matyushenko
took Rogerio down, didn't mix with ground, stood up and then
the referee made Rogerio stand as well. Matyushenko repeated
this throughout the fight. Rogerio had a chance to end the fight
with a guillotine and then an armbar, but he couldn't finish
well like his brother.
They
did a tense kick-boxing fight all through the rounds. There was
no ground fighting at all during the 15-minute fight. Murahama
was superior in stamina to Pulver, but Pulver landed many more
strikes (high-kicks and knees) than Murahama. Those were the
difference in the Pulver win.
Yokoi
was in RINGS Japan, now he is on Kohsaka's (TK) team, called
"Team Alliance G square." He had good grappling technique
based on Judo. Bulldozer was a Jeet Kune Do fighter from Canada.
He couldn't do anything in ground. Yokoi won the fight hands
down.
Source:
By Yoshinori Ihara - BoutReview/Maxfighting
TWO
TITANIC MATCHES WILL ROCK SHOCKWAVE
DreamStage Entertainment Announces Additional Bouts For PRIDE
FC: ShockWave
Los Angeles
– August 12, 2002 – DreamStage Entertainment rocks
the mixed-martial arts world with the latest additions to ShockWave,
the largest PRIDE Fighting Championships event to date, taking
place at the prominent Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan
on August 28, 2002.
At a press conference
held in Tokyo on August 12, 2002, two official matches were announced.
The first card addition, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria vs. Bob Sapp,
will be conducted under PRIDE FC rules. The second card addition
pitting Don Frye vs. Mark Hunt will be conducted under K-1 rules.
DreamStage added that prospective fighters who have expressed
interest in participating in ShockWave are Vanderlei Silva, Semmy
Schilt, Ernest Hoost and Mike Bernardo. It has also been confirmed
that former WCW superstar Bill Goldberg will be providing commentary
for the PPV event, adding more excitement to an already thrilling
event card.
The two previously
announced matches are the highly anticipated Royce Gracie vs.
Hidehiko Yoshida and Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Mirko Cro Cop. It has
been determined that strikes will be allowed in the Yoshida vs.
Gracie bout. The rules for the Sakuraba vs. crop Cop match have
yet to be determined.
Additional card
information will follow shortly.
*Pay-Per-View
Networks include: DIRECTV, DishNetwork, TVN, Bell Express Vu
and Viewer's Choice Canada
* The actual event will take place on August 28, 2002
The start time is 6:30 pm Japan time.
Source: FCF
On
the Fence 1.5 - Sak-Fu
With Dreamstage
Entertainment full of sadists and Kazushi Sakuraba a relentless
masochist, it appears to be a match made in heaven. Never has
one promotion so tirelessly and methodically plotted the destruction
of their marquee attraction, and never has one athlete done less
to stop the ransacking of his own career.
Two weeks from
today, Sakuraba will exit his ten-month layoff and enter the
ring against the far heavier, destructively skilled Mirko "Cro
Cop" Filipovic, and though the top-shelf K-1 kickboxer possesses
a significant weight advantage, both Saku and his promoters appear
to express little hesitation. Rumors run rampant that a win over
Cro Cop here will set up the inevitable Saku/Vanderlei Silva
3 bout that absolutely no one demanded. For Saku, some days you
get the bear, but most days the bear gets you.
The affable
and charming athlete is everything you could want in a headlining
attraction: skilled, articulate, and a born entertainer. His
strikes are sharp, his submission skills and wrestling among
the best in the game. But instead of honing his blade against
competition that is physically appropriate, he and DSE choose
to embody in him the role of the Giant Slayer, the defender of
Japan's gate against all manner of gaijin interlopers. At just
a hair under one-eighty-five, this is neither a role he was genetically
born for nor even the best thing for business. Because with each
senseless beatdown received at the hands of someone who may not
be as skilled, but is just damn bigger, a little bit more of
him is left in the ring, and ever shorter do his days as a competitive
fighter grow.
Source: Maxfighting
Pulver
to K-1?
MMAWeekly has learned that Jens Pulver could be a part of the
K-1 group very soon. The K-1 Organization was extremely impressed
with Jens in his last fight on the UFO card. Pulver did not attempt
a single takedown in that fight and basically stood on his feet
trading bombs back and forth, eventually getting the split decision
win. So now K-1 has opened the door for little evil and they
could sign him to a multi -fight deal very soon. Probably three
fights or so. We will keep you posted.
Source:
MMA Weekly
8/13/02
Quote
of the Day
Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.
Christopher
Morley
B.J.
'The Prodigy' Penn Trains for UFC 39: The Warriors Return
This upcoming match is probably
the most anticipated match in the BJJ world. Promoters have been
trying to get BJ and Matt in a grappling match for a while. Now
both top American BJJ black belts will face each other in the
biggest MMA show in America. This is the fight I cannot wait
for. Hard hitting and methodically imposing BJ Penn vs. the MMA
Energizer Bunny Submission Machine Matt Serra.
Hilo, Hawaii: B.J. 'The Prodigy'
Penn has begun training for the upcoming UFC 39: The Warriors
Return, slated for Friday, September 27, 2002 at the Mohegan
Sun (Arena & Casino) in Uncasville, Conn. and will be aired
on pay-per-view.
With the vacant UFC Lightweight
Title the top contenders will fight in this match for the chance
to hold this prestigious World Championship Belt at a future
date.
The top contenders in the Lightweight
Division in this mix martial arts contest are: B.J. Penn (5-1-0)
of Hilo, Hawaii vs. Matt Serra (11-1-0) of Long Island, N.Y.
and Din Thomas (16-2-0) of Orlando, Florida vs. Caol Uno (12-4-2)
of Kanagawa, Japan.
Penn, disappointed at not being
able to fight the lightweight division titleholder Jens Pulver
who left the UFC, has been matched with Matt Serra who has the
similar style and strengths as B.J.
Evolved in his game, 'The Prodigy'
brings to this fight his superior wrestling and striking abilities
against 'The Terror.'
For this eliminator match, B.J.
has his teacher, Charuto Verissimo de Oliveira with Leandro Nyza
honing his skills to perfection.
Word
is that just about everyone in Brazilian BJJ is on the move.
As stated here previously, CBJJ'S Carlos Gracie Jr is in LA to
set up final details for the USA qualifier for next year's Inter
Country Competition.
Royler
Gracie left yesterday for LA, to assist on his brother's Royce's
final preparaion for the Pride event later this month. Rodorigo
(notice the Japanese pronunciation) 'Minotauro' Nogueira is back
in Rio but only for a few days. As previously announced on ADCC
News, he is flying back to Japan to fight in the same Pride.
Where
do I get some of that Department
'Xande'
Ribeiro reurns to Toledo, Ohio tomorrow. Xande has been nursing
what was prematurely diagnosed as busted ligaments. A full MRI
determined the damage to be minimal so Ribeiro should be ready
for action soon, Ahhh to be young and flexible!
Vitor
'Shaolin' Ribeiro is getting ready to expand his horizons and
fly to Japan for a match in Shooto. Shaolin has been 'The Man'
in his NHB matches and caught the eyes of the Japanese fight
promoters. Look for some big things from him.
Kid
Peligro wishes to thank all the staff of O Tatame for their kindness
during our spot visit today. Everyone ther is tops! Speaking
of O Tatame, check out their new revamped website with news updated
twice a day. The address is http://www.tatame.com.br/.
'Jamelao'
Conceicao & Alxandre 'Cacareco' take top honors at the Campos
Grappling event. Jamelao won the 87KG while Cacareco won the
Heavies (98KG) and the absolute. Other participants where Roberto
Traven who lost to Amauri Bitteti on the second round of the
Absolute. Other winners where Rodrigo Damm (under 65KG) and Adriano
Nasal (76KG). Congratulations to all!
Source:
Abu Dhabi
Super
Brawl Signs 6 Super Stars to Multi-Fight Contracts!
In a first for
the SuperBrawl organization, 6 fighters sign exclusive multi-fight
contracts. Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun, Cabbage,
Falaniko Vitale, Baret Yoshida, Eddie "The Filipino Phenom"
Yagin and Kolo Koka have all signed deals that will keep them
exclusively in the Super Brawl ring for up to one year.
"We could
not be more pleased to give these talented athletes the security
of a multiple fight contract. Although all these guys love to
fight, money and contract negotiations are an issue. And now
that is one less thing they will have to worry about." says
SuperBrawl promoter T.Jay Thompson.
The contract
do, however, allow the pursuit of fights outside of Hawaii. "These
fighters are now part of the Super Brawl family and we will take
care of them as such. With our extensive contacts inside the
MMA world, we will actively search for appropriate fights for
these guys around the world. We have already secured a fight
for Cabbage in the September UFC."
New
Videos Available!!
The wait is finally over. SuperBrawl 23 & 24 are now available
in our Online Store. SuperBrawl 23 was non-stop action and 24
featured the biggest heavyweight tourney in history. Get yours
today with expert color commentary and play by play (heh heh)!!!
For the past two years, Ronald "The Machine Gun" Jhun,
has been destroying competition throughout the world and occasionally
in Hawaii....But not in the SuperBrawl ring. It is now confirmed
that Jhun's management and the SuperBrawl organization have come
to terms on a multi-fight deal that will keep Jhun in the ring
that began his illustrious career.
"We
could not be more excited to have 'The Machine Gun' back home."
says T. Jay Thompson, SuperBrawl promoter. "Ronald began
his career with us and we hope to now propel him to the international
recoginition he deserves."
"The
Machine Gun" will make his return on September 17, in the
multi-national co-promotion "Super Brawl presents, The Universal
Combat Challenge, Eruption in Paradise!"
His
opponent will a Canadian UCC veteran to be named later this week.
Expect bullets to fly on Tuesday night, Sept 17 at the Blaisdell
Arena in Honolulu Hawaii!
Royce
is back!
Just like our Japanese corespondent
Shu Inagaki wrote in the current issue of GRACIE Magazine, BJJ
idol Royce Gracie is heading back to Pride. His return to the
ring will happen on September 28th, in the mega event Pride Shockwave,
which will take place in Tokyo's National Stadium, with 100 thousand
spectators capacity. Royce will face famous Japanese judoka Hidehiko
Yoshida, a Barcelona Olympics gold medal winner and 1999 world
champion, in a historical matchup between Jiu-Jitsu and judo.
The fight will have special rules:
- Both men will wear a 'Gi'
- No strikes to the head are allowed ever
- At least one fighter has to be standing for striking
- When both fighters are on the ground it becomes a submissions
only fight, with no points or advantages
- 2 x 10 minute rounds with no judges decision. In the event
of no submission or KO the fight will be a draw
In the same show, Kazushi Sakuraba
will be returning to action after a long recovery from a shoulder
injury. Saku will face top ranked Croatian Mirko CroCop, one
of K-1's stars.
Source: Abu Dhabi
SUSUMU's
LEGENDARY Shots!
Hello,
We have added 25 photos from
the UFC 'Legend' event, held on August 8th in the Tokyo Dome.
You can see Matt Ghaffari vs. OGAWA Naoya, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
vs. KIKUTA Sanae, Jens Pulver vs. MURAHAMA Takeharu, Mario Sperry
vs. SAKATA Wataru, Rickson Gracie and so on. Please enjoy!
